Mondays have a bad reputation. They are dreaded more than any other day of the week, but are necessary in the grand scheme of things. Tuesday had better thank its lucky stars for Monday, otherwise everyone would dread Tuesday. If it weren't for Monday we'd have a 6 day week, divided evenly in half- there would be no "hump day," no perfect middle day on which we could have Choir rehearsal, AWANA, Mid-week Bible Studies, etc… Yes, we need Monday. However, we still have to cope with Monday. So here are some good, healthy thoughts for Monday mornings when you don't want to wake up and get your week started:
- Don't think of it as Monday, think of it as Pre-Tuesday.
- Decide to celebrate a new Jamaican holiday- "Man"day, and answer everyone by saying, "Ya, man" or "No, man" all day.
- Just keep Sunday going by staying up all night Sunday night- two days of Sunday. Nice.
- If all else fails, just remember that the sooner you get Monday started, the sooner it will be over.
I've tried all of the above methods, and none are particularly to my liking. In the end you're either lying to yourself, or you receive confused, irritated looks from your coworkers.
The Bible doesn't give specific direction regarding our attitude toward Monday. In fact, it's not even mentioned once in the entire Bible. However, I think there are some strong Biblical passages we can examine and use as encouragement, not just on Monday, but every day.
- 22The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) - 6I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13:6) - 1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 136:1) - 28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
- 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
The best thought we can begin with each day is to remember the great mercy shown to us in Christ. Though we were far off, we have been brought near by the blood of Christ. We were slaves to sin and our own desires, but now we are slaves to Christ. As if it were not enough that our sin and condemnation are placed on Jesus, but we have been saved to an eternal hope of glorification. Our hope is not merely for this life, but for the life to come.
So, on those tough Mondays, and the days when your car won't start, your breakfast burrito ends up on your tie, the boss chews you out, cute little Johnny throws up on you (multiple times), your computer crashes, and Sparky the wonder dog leaves a surprise for you on the living room carpet, etc… Remember that God's mercies are new every morning, that He has dealt bountifully with you, that He is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting, that He works all things for good.
And then when you find yourself facing something really serious I encourage you to still remember that the Lord's compassions never fail, He's dealt bountifully with you, that He is good, that you've been called according to His purposes, and that He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
I hope you have a good Monday (and Tuesday, and Wednesday, etc…).
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