What do you think?
Rate this book
What To Do On The Worst Day Of Your Life
Nobody knew adversity like King David. He was called and anointed to reign in life, and yet he had to find a way in God to keep form losing it all. In What to Do on the Worst Day of Your Life,Brian Zahnd looks into the life of David to discover a pattern of faith we can apply to overcome life’s daunting obstacles. In David’s story we find a timeless model for how to encounter God’s restorative power in the midst of deep tragedy. Join Brian Zahnd, and see what David did on his worst day. You’ll see David weep but not get bitter. You’ll see him reorient his vision and regain his passion. All along the journey you’ll be reminded that God’s great work in David’s life was not an odd, one-off miracle but a pattern of faith for all who are facing the worst day of their life.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
26 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Brian Zahnd
52 books389 followersBrian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. As the lead pastor, he is the primary preacher during our weekend services, and he oversees the direction of the church. Pastor Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and authority on all things Bob Dylan.
He and his wife, Peri, have three adult sons and five grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including Unconditional?, Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, and Water To Wine.
He and his wife, Peri, have three adult sons and five grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including Unconditional?, Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, and Water To Wine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 3, 2024
What To Do On Your Worst Day
This is a great and uplifting book.
One of my new favorite authors!
Definitely check it out - especially if you are having a bad day / week / month / year!
Inspirational
4.1/5
This is a great and uplifting book.
One of my new favorite authors!
Definitely check it out - especially if you are having a bad day / week / month / year!
Inspirational
4.1/5
September 11, 2009
Perfect for : Personal Use, Gift
In a nutshell: Everyone will experience things in life that seem unfair, that will have them asking why bad things happen to good people, and asking why God is letting something like this happen at all. Sometimes it feels like you will never recover, and those are the times when you need this book. While you may never fully understand why an event in your life happened, Brian Zahnd has written a book that will help you get through the event and recover. He shows us that it is ok to cry - yes, REAL men (and women) do cry, and it is part of the healing process. The author uses the biblical story of King David to illustrate the process of having faith and recovering from a tragic event so that you can succeed and have victory in life.
Extended Review:
Content: Following a Foreward, Preface and Introduction, the Chapter of the book include: Weep, Don't Get Bitter, Encourage Yourself in God, Reorient Your vision, Regain Your Passion, Attack!, Recover All, Celebrate Recovery, Give to Others. The book also contains a Conclusion and end notes.
Readability: An easy, quick read. The author provides examples, inspiring passages from the Bible, and encouragement for readers. The book is small in size, and the chapters are not overly long, so they are do-able, even in the face of fear, loss, and disappointment.
Overall: Through this book, the reader will experience the inspiring story of King David, and will begin their own journey of recovery and faith through the tough times they currently face, and may face in the future. For me, this book is a keeper - you never know when you will need it for yourself or a loved-one.
In a nutshell: Everyone will experience things in life that seem unfair, that will have them asking why bad things happen to good people, and asking why God is letting something like this happen at all. Sometimes it feels like you will never recover, and those are the times when you need this book. While you may never fully understand why an event in your life happened, Brian Zahnd has written a book that will help you get through the event and recover. He shows us that it is ok to cry - yes, REAL men (and women) do cry, and it is part of the healing process. The author uses the biblical story of King David to illustrate the process of having faith and recovering from a tragic event so that you can succeed and have victory in life.
Extended Review:
Content: Following a Foreward, Preface and Introduction, the Chapter of the book include: Weep, Don't Get Bitter, Encourage Yourself in God, Reorient Your vision, Regain Your Passion, Attack!, Recover All, Celebrate Recovery, Give to Others. The book also contains a Conclusion and end notes.
Readability: An easy, quick read. The author provides examples, inspiring passages from the Bible, and encouragement for readers. The book is small in size, and the chapters are not overly long, so they are do-able, even in the face of fear, loss, and disappointment.
Overall: Through this book, the reader will experience the inspiring story of King David, and will begin their own journey of recovery and faith through the tough times they currently face, and may face in the future. For me, this book is a keeper - you never know when you will need it for yourself or a loved-one.
July 23, 2013
Very encouraging and uplifting! I "borrowed" this book from a friend as part of a grief group at my church. It has turned out to be more relevant to me a year later, after I've overcome grief and am in a new challenging place. The encouraging words aren't just niceties; they're grounded in the promises of God, straight from the Word of God. I don't know what I would have done without this book while I was grieving the loss of a close friend and while my husband faces some tough work challenges. I highly recommend for getting through any type of loss or struggle.
August 30, 2019
I love BZ's writings, and at the beginning of the summer while the girls were looking at cooking and craft books at HPB because we had a gift card, I stumbled upon this one that I hadn't heard of before. So I got it and slowly read through it over the summer.
It is one of his earlier books and could be considered a long sermon. He goes through a story of David and shows how it is applicable to our lives today.
It is a very encouraging, practical reminder of steps to take to not get stuck when something bad happens and how God is always present and working for our good.
I own this if anyone wants to borrow it.
It is one of his earlier books and could be considered a long sermon. He goes through a story of David and shows how it is applicable to our lives today.
It is a very encouraging, practical reminder of steps to take to not get stuck when something bad happens and how God is always present and working for our good.
I own this if anyone wants to borrow it.
July 26, 2022
Brian Zahnd does a superb job of unpacking the story of David at Ziklag. Most know the stories of David and Goliath, David as the King of Israel, and David as the Man after God's own heart. Many may not know the profound details of David at Ziklag. Pastor Zahnd uses David's journey from utter despair to determination to action to recovery to outward expressions of appreciation and love as the basis of creating a practical application to anyone who had gone through, or is going through, the worst day of their life. If you are feeling despair and hopelessness, this book is definitely for you!
March 31, 2021
Engaging writing style. As an artist himself , Zahnd has unique insights into the Bible (restoring the beauty of the Garden) and the story of David (restoring beauty from tragedy). “We all have the desire to be beautiful again.” Or normal again. Excellent summary phrase toward the end of he book ... “Everything is going to be all right. This is the overarching message of the gospel.” Full disclosure: Zahnd impacted my walk with God 30 years ago, but we have not been in touch since then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
This book really inspired me in some areas of my own life and I found it very encouraging. We all have troubles in life and it gives a healthy example of how to react when trouble does come. It set an examples of someone who overcame massive obstacles and turned them into wins by developing the right attitude and following that with the right actions. I really like this author.
February 15, 2018
David arrived home to find his property burned to the ground, all his possessions stolen, and his entire family captured by terrorists. David was experiencing the worst day of his life. David could have curled into a ball; but, instead, he reoriented his vision, he restored his passion, and he got to work. This is a beautiful story of life and restoration for David and an example for us all.
April 15, 2023
One of my favourite Lenten reflections I’ve read so far. Accessible, deep, thought provoking, relevant and gentle.
Every day’s reflection contains a scripture passage and ~2-3 pages. It paired perfectly with my morning cup of coffee.
Every day’s reflection contains a scripture passage and ~2-3 pages. It paired perfectly with my morning cup of coffee.
April 21, 2025
Excellent a must read for existing Christians looking to improve their understanding of the gospel
October 18, 2025
A self help book without focus on the work of God and totally man centred.
June 19, 2012
I wish this site would give us half stars so I'll round it up from a 3.5 to a 4. This book was reccomended to me by my mother and I decided to give it a try and read it.
The basic premise of the book is to help a person through the worst day of their life via 10 steps.From the forward to the 2nd chapter the book was a bit of a struggle to read through and overall just seemed to lag. It's one of those books that starts out slow and picks up momentum with each chapter. The main overlying theme of the book is told through the story of David (my favorite biblical guy) at Ziklag. I will say I like that they didn't use the more common stories like David's annointment, David Vs. Goliath, or him with Bathsheba. I should also note that David isn't the only illustrative point used in this book. Other examples come from Jesus, Paul, Joseph, the author's own personal stories, and real life (not to name them all).
I would not reccomend this book to people who aren't Christians, never go to church, or never open a bible. In short, this isn't a book to convert people. Instead it's a book for those who are already believers that are at least somewhat mature in their faith. It is the kind of book that resonates best with a Christian who is in a dire crisis.
Finally, here's my personal breakdown of chapter ratings:
The Forward-Chapter 2---2/5
Chapter 3-6------3/5
Chapter 7-Epilogue-------It varies from 4 to a perfect 5/5
The basic premise of the book is to help a person through the worst day of their life via 10 steps.From the forward to the 2nd chapter the book was a bit of a struggle to read through and overall just seemed to lag. It's one of those books that starts out slow and picks up momentum with each chapter. The main overlying theme of the book is told through the story of David (my favorite biblical guy) at Ziklag. I will say I like that they didn't use the more common stories like David's annointment, David Vs. Goliath, or him with Bathsheba. I should also note that David isn't the only illustrative point used in this book. Other examples come from Jesus, Paul, Joseph, the author's own personal stories, and real life (not to name them all).
I would not reccomend this book to people who aren't Christians, never go to church, or never open a bible. In short, this isn't a book to convert people. Instead it's a book for those who are already believers that are at least somewhat mature in their faith. It is the kind of book that resonates best with a Christian who is in a dire crisis.
Finally, here's my personal breakdown of chapter ratings:
The Forward-Chapter 2---2/5
Chapter 3-6------3/5
Chapter 7-Epilogue-------It varies from 4 to a perfect 5/5
April 15, 2009
I absolutely loved this book. Truly a gem.
Brian Zahnd tells David's story from the bible and makes it relevant for us today. Before David became king he had, what could be called, the worst day of his life. After having been away from home a few days, David and his men returned to Ziklag to find it ransacked, burned and their families and riches taken by the Amalekites. Brian not only retells David's story, but he relates the actions that David took, to what we should do on our own worst days.
In this beautiful little book we are reassured that while God will give us trials, there is always a purpose. Through faith and hope we can always overcome. As Brian says, "In David's story we see he beauty of God's grace and find hope for our own troubled situations."
One of the things I enjoyed about this book is that it's practical, with real life situations and suggestions and reminders. It's one that I will read again.
Brian Zahnd tells David's story from the bible and makes it relevant for us today. Before David became king he had, what could be called, the worst day of his life. After having been away from home a few days, David and his men returned to Ziklag to find it ransacked, burned and their families and riches taken by the Amalekites. Brian not only retells David's story, but he relates the actions that David took, to what we should do on our own worst days.
In this beautiful little book we are reassured that while God will give us trials, there is always a purpose. Through faith and hope we can always overcome. As Brian says, "In David's story we see he beauty of God's grace and find hope for our own troubled situations."
One of the things I enjoyed about this book is that it's practical, with real life situations and suggestions and reminders. It's one that I will read again.
January 3, 2014
I bought this book solely by the book's title since I was having the 'worst day of my life.' This book is written from a Christian perspective and uses the story of King David to explain the book's title, which become a running theme throughout the book's plot. This is a fantastic read. I left the book with a greater appreciation for the depth of King David's wisdom, starting in his moment of greatest need. Our worst day could become, as in my case, a blessing in disguise, much like the story of King David's legacy. An inspiring, uplifting, and encouraging read.
May 11, 2018
This is an excellent book based on David's experience on returning to Ziklag to find all of their families and possessions stolen and their homes burned. To top it all off, his men talked of stoning him. When you experience a day like this, you need some guidance to help you through it. This book offers great advice by following David's plan to recover all. I recommend this book.
May 23, 2012
This was one of three books I read after a deep loss. This is an incredible book about some of the trials that faced King David (the writer of the Psalms) and how he faced the "worst day of his life". I loved this book, and read it three times.
December 21, 2013
Pastor Brian Zahnd gives an incredible hope-filled story of David's victory over the Amalekites, after the destruction in Ziklag. Brian dissects the story, and shows us the keys to victory over defeat.
July 6, 2021
Útil para quien transita un momento obscuro de la vida
Una amiga querida me recomendó este corto libro, el objetivo del autor es que no pierdas la fe y la esperanza en momentos difíciles. No comparto toda su teologia pero tiene cosas muy lindas y útiles.
Una amiga querida me recomendó este corto libro, el objetivo del autor es que no pierdas la fe y la esperanza en momentos difíciles. No comparto toda su teologia pero tiene cosas muy lindas y útiles.
August 20, 2009
To always encourage myself in the Lord! I will recover ALL!
September 9, 2009
Interesting book.
Intending to give this book away.
Am reading to discern if it is a good book to give away
Intending to give this book away.
Am reading to discern if it is a good book to give away
September 15, 2010
Perfect book at the perfect time!
August 17, 2010
Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church did a five week sermon series on this book.
January 27, 2012
A bold proactive approach to the "worst day of your life" that is biblically based.
June 27, 2014
I have read most of it. It changed the way I looked at things around me.
December 3, 2016
Exactly what I needed for the worst day of my life. Exactly! I'll read this many times I'm sure!
Currently reading
June 20, 2009This is a very inspirational. A great devotional book to use.
Read
July 15, 2013one of those books I will read again and again.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews