Lord, I hope this day is good
I’m feelin’ empty and misunderstood

My ears perked up the first time I heard those lyrics.
It was one of those days when you were going through a rough time, and then here came a song that expressed exactly how you were feeling.

I should be thankful Lord, I know I should
But Lord, I hope this day is good

Those lines hit me like a ton of bricks. Besieged on every side, I have only been sulking when I was supposed to be praying. For why should you only receive attacks with resignation when you can ask God for help? All I did was just to make a pity party for myself.

So in that empty attic room, with the sun setting at twilight, I was on my knees reciting Don’s song, “Lord, I Hope this Day is Good.”

I don’t need fortune and I don’t need fame
Send down the thunder Lord, send down the rain
But when you’re planning just how it will be
Plan a good day for me

 To be honest, I did not know what words to say then. All I knew of was that the song became my utterance before the Lord. I was not naïve to think life would become trouble free if I pray, of course. Still, nothing should stop us from making petitions for God to do something about our life’s circumstances.

You’ve been the king since the dawn of time
All that I’m asking is a little less crime
It might be hard for the devil to do
But it would be easy for you

Once, I had this very subdued personality. I do not fight back no matter how horrible the offense is to me. To the annoyance of some friends who just care about my welfare, I would only keep silent.  That changed when this song came.

The irony is, this gentle song channeled by Don’s mellow voice, served as my “fight song.” I listened to it each morning while still going through my predicament. Though my issues did not magically vanish, the words in Don’s song gave me hope. I held on to it, and here am I now: stronger, and always looking at the bright side of life.