It's Going to be a Busy Day

I wake early, spring out of bed, and the first thought that hits me is, “It’s going to be a busy day.” I glance toward the spare bedroom, where a pile of books waits, then quickly close the door, telling myself I’m too busy to face it today. I think about the run I should take, the writing project I’ve barely touched, or the ongoing struggle with my child—and in an instant, the weight of it all feels crushing. I’m already overwhelmed, and the day hasn’t even begun.

This lingering sense of defeat hangs over me all day, only to lift when I finally lay my head to rest. But the next morning, the cycle begins again—“It will be a busy day.” “I have so much to do.” I brace for it, certain of the rush to come, and that thought buzzes relentlessly in my mind like a persistent fly that won’t leave me alone.

These words echo through my days, relentless. Even as I check things off my list, it never feels like enough—like a deadline is always looming out of reach. There are dishes to wash, meals to cook, shopping to do, and endless fights to break up between the kids. Meanwhile, my dreams sit in the background, crowded in my mind with no room to breathe, as if they’re trapped there forever, waiting for a moment that never comes.

Is the work ever truly finished? Is there ever a moment when our minds can rest? The list is accurate, necessary, and relentless—my rational mind won’t let me forget. But as I recognize the pattern, I wonder each morning: Is there really so much to do, or is it just the voice in my head convincing me that there is?

Was “It’s going to be a busy day” a tool Satan used to trap me in defeat, subtly fueling feelings of overwhelm from the moment I woke up? A quiet way to delay progress in the areas that truly mattered, even if it was just one small step forward? I believe it was. This seemingly harmless phrase gripped my heart, locking me in a cycle that felt like I was spinning my wheels—always moving but never getting anywhere.

God revealed this seemingly innocent phrase was actually a self-defeating prophecy I spoke over myself each morning. Over time, I started replacing it with life-giving truths, one of the first being Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your (my) strength.” I hadn’t realized how the words I spoke to myself each day were setting me up for frustration until I recognized their power. Now, when overwhelming feelings try to take hold, or I’m tempted to think, “It’s going to be a busy day,” I catch the thought before it even begins.

Each day is good because God declares that our strength comes from Him. I can surrender all control, let go of my plans, and trust every desire in my heart to His care.

I set the alarm, and it blares each morning. But as I spring out of bed, I speak life over myself: “The joy of the Lord is my strength,” “Today will be a great day because God is good and His love endures forever,” “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” “Just do it,” or “Tiny is mighty.” There’s a whole arsenal of one-liners to choose from.

Even when life is hard, God is still good and in control. No more excuses for defeat when I open my eyes each morning. Whether it’s a busy day or not, I’m entrusting my time to Him. I might organize a few books, write for a while, have a quick chat with my child, or dust off a forgotten dream for a few minutes. But whatever I do, my days are filled with strength because God is with me.

How are you speaking life-giving words over your day?

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23