This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.

First, let me give you the bad news. The bad news is there is a lot to feel dreadful about in the month of January. For example, you might have noticed the news is filled with stories concerning the mortgage crisis, the cold and inclement weather, rising gas prices, and the presidential primaries for both parties.

To that general list you might add your own personal difficulties.

Things are so bad you may not be surprised to hear Dr. Cliff Arnall, a researcher for Cardiff University, has decided January is the darkest month of the year. Factoring in things like the weather, consumer debt left over from the holidays, and the collapse of most people’s New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Arnall says he has been able to identify January as the most depressing month of 2008.

Even more, he says he can pick out the worst day of the year.

That’s the bad news. Here’s the good. The day Dr. Arnall designated as being the bottom of the pit was the third Monday of January—January 21st , to be exact.

And what’s the good news? The good news is you have survived what Dr. Arnall calls Blue Monday.

Don’t you feel better now?

Truly, Christians who know the Savior are not immune from dark and depressing days. We know that having Jesus as our Redeemer does not mean every day of our lives will be filled with blue skies and the twitters of little birdies.

No matter what we may hear elsewhere, Jesus never promised that.

But that doesn’t mean Jesus leaves us helpless or hopeless. With Christ by our side we are able to weather the storms, pass through the dark valleys and know, because of Him, we are conquerors and more than conquerors. Not even death can bring us down to a place so low Jesus can’t help.

Because all this is so is the reason I selected the verse for today’s devotion: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (And we can, you know.)

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for being with me always, I give thanks to You. May my days reflect Your ongoing presence and power, and may this day be a day filled with gladness in You. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 33-35    Matthew 20:17-34

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