You’ll be glad to know that it has officially passed. According to a scientist in Great Britain, Monday, January 24 was officially the most depressing day of 2005. He says that the combination of bad weather, time since the joy of the holidays, holiday bills coming due, and the fact that most of those New Year's resolutions have been broken by now, makes the January 24 officially the most depressing day of the year. Isn’t it good to know that the worst day of the year has already passed, and the rest of the year is just down hill sailing!

The story is told of the firmly convinced Calvinist, who believed so strongly in Calvin's interpretation of predestination that upon falling down a flight of stairs, he got up, dusted himself off, and said, “I’m glad I got that over with.” Perhaps we can look back on January 24 and say, "We're glad we got that over with." That combination of bad weather, bills, and broken promises (to ourselves) can be very depressing. We know as Christians, though, that the best is yet to be.

 Robert Browning wrote:

Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be.
The last of life for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who saith, “A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God; see all, nor be afraid.”

When it comes to the difficulties of aging, it may be hard to see how the best is yet to be. Energy and health were so good in youth, and are so fleeting as we age. Browning is correct, however, in reminding us that God is in control, and He is to be trusted, whatever we face.

When it comes to things that really matter, there is no doubt that the best is yet to be, if we belong to Christ. How can difficulties of this life, even if they are bad weather, bad bills, or failed desires compare to what awaits us in glory?

John shares his vision: “I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4). The best is yet to be!

The Best Is Yet to Be
By Bob Prichard
www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com