What to Do With a Bad Day: Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Sewer Truck

Have you ever woken up excited about a new day, only to have it turn upside down by lunchtime? We all have those moments when a good day quickly derails, leaving us wondering, What do I do with a bad day? On the way to my father’s doctor appointment, I found myself driving behind a septic tank pumping truck. Not the best sign, right? Immediately, I imagined worst-case scenarios: a leak that could mist my car, sludge on the road, or a wrecked septic truck blocking traffic. I couldn’t help but think, How many of our days start full of potential but end up wrecked? We begin with a list of things to accomplish, only to find those plans quickly unravel by noon. When things go awry, the key is learning how to deal with the unexpected. So, what can we do when a beautiful day turns out all wrong?

1. Look for the Good

look for the goodOne of the first steps to dealing with a bad day is to find something positive in the chaos. There’s an old psychological practice called cognitive restructuring, which helps us turn negative thoughts into positive ones. This principle is also known as “reframing”—it’s all about changing our perspective.I learned this firsthand after Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina in September 2024. Though our area suffered immense damage, my husband and I immediately found gratitude in the fact that we were safe. “We’re good, we’re together, and no one’s hurt,” we said, even before understanding the full extent of the storm’s destruction. When life goes wrong, it’s essential to focus on what you can be thankful for. Yes, we lost power and access to modern conveniences for weeks, but we were given the gift of beautiful fall weather, blue skies, and the opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other. It reminds me of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Even in the middle of a storm, God is there.

 

2. Look for the Lesson

Reframing isn’t just about finding the good; it’s also about discovering the lessons hidden in life’s challenges. After the storm, my husband and I took inventory of what we’d learned. We made lists of essential supplies for future emergencies and started taking weather forecasts more seriously.The storm also taught us about community. We met neighbors we’d never spoken to before, working side by side to clear fallen trees from the road. The lesson? When life throws curveballs, you might just find blessings in the relationships you never expected.


3. Look for Help

A bad day can sometimes spiral into weeks or months of hardship. If you’re struggling, it’s crucial to reach out to trusted friends, family, or even a counselor. Talking through your challenges can lighten your load, but when the bad days turn into longer battles with anxiety or depression, seeking professional help is a vital step.And if there’s no one around you to turn to, remember that God is always available. In James 5:16, we’re reminded, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” When your day feels overwhelming, prayer is one of the most powerful tools you have.


4. Look for Humor

goodie bagSometimes, the best way to get through a tough day is by finding something to laugh about. While Tropical Storm Helene wasn’t funny in the moment, the kindness of our neighbors—and their unexpected goodie bags from South Carolina—brought us joy. There’s something about laughter that lightens the heart, even during a storm. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” Even when you’re feeling like everything is going wrong, finding humor—whether in a joke or a silly moment—can help lift your spirits.

5. Look to the Word of God

When nothing seems to be going right, turn to Scripture. The Bible offers wisdom and encouragement, no matter what’s going on in your life. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word is “living and active,” capable of guiding us through every circumstance. I’ve learned that God’s word has a way of speaking directly to the heart, providing wisdom and perspective when everything else seems cloudy. When you’re having a bad day, reading the Bible and praying can bring clarity and peace that only God can provide.


And Finally…

My day with the septic truck turned out to be just a small bump in the road. While the doctor’s visit turned into a longer-than-expected journey, I was grateful for a medical professional who knew my father needed help. So, while I had to throw my plans out the window, I could still look for gratitude in the midst of a challenging day.

 

How Do You Deal With Bad Days?

I’d love to hear from you! How do you deal with tough days when everything seems to go wrong? Do you have a go-to method for finding peace in the chaos? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Terri Kelly

A former teacher turned writer, Terri B. Kelly, is the mother of two grown children and lives with her husband plus one sweet pug in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Visit her at www.terribkelly.com or on Facebook.

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