Have you ever noticed how “crazy” Mondays can be? It seems like anything that can go wrong goes wrong on Mondays. It seems that the “to do” list on Mondays magically overflows beyond capacity. And it seems like everyone becomes a little more uptight and less jovial and forgiving on Mondays.

While it is easy to blame the craziness on the work week, I have a “crazy” hypothesis on why Mondays are crazy:

It’s because Monday means “moon” day and the root word for moon is related to the concept of insanity.

In Latin, moon is “luna” which is where we get the words “lunatic” and “lunacy.” In ancient times people worshiped the “moon god” on this day, hence the word “Monday” or “Lunes” (Spanish word for Monday). In fact, each day of our week has been named after celestial bodies who, at one time, represented pagan gods who were worshiped (and we’ll look at that throughout this week). And in some ways, I think that people are still affected (some subtly, others not as subtle) by these pagan demarcations in their thoughts, attitudes and actions.

However, as followers of Christ, we believe that His death and resurrection not only provides forgiveness of our sins, it also causes redemption and reversal of the “curse” to take place (Galatians 3:13-14). The realm of darkness is rendered powerless (Col 2:15) when Christ’s reign is established in the way of Christ; what the Bible calls “the Kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33). So this means that we don’t have to be helpless to the ways our culture or darkness that have established; even in the fabric of naming the days of the week.

As well, for Christ followers every day can be the “Lord’s day.” We can choose to walk in an opposite spirit to the prevailing standards that our culture and darkness dictate. In other words, we don’t have to succumb to the lunacy of Mondays! Indeed, God can use us as instruments of “soundness of mind” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV) as we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. This can bring change, not only to our lives, but also positively affect the people around us – who are often unaware of the craziness associated with this day.

So how can we walk in the opposite Spirit of “crazy Mondays?” Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Use silence and stillness as ways to yield to God. Psalm 62:1 says, “For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.” I am spending more and more time in silence before the Lord; especially when things get crazy. It works! Include silence and stillness in your Personal Worship Times. Take moments during the day to be still and take deep breaths as you relinquish things to God.

2. Humbly ask God for the needed wisdom to walk in His ways. The truest definition of insanity is “to believe that anything else, besides God’s way, is going to work.” I pray the “Jesus prayer” 100 times a day (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”) because I realize that at best (in the truth and light of God) I am a sinner and at best I really don’t know much of anything. But Christ knows everything and to humbly ask Him to show the way is the best thing we can do.

3. Train yourself to pause before acting on something. During that pause, ask God to lead and protect you. I love the opening to mid-day prayer in the Daily Office: “God, come to my assistance; Lord, make haste to save me.” That is a prayer that I try to pray before I act on things. It is amazing what God can do when I give Him just a moment of my time before I make a decision or send an email or make a comment or start on a task.

Mondays can be crazy. It’s easy to be a lunatic on Mondays. But for Christ-followers, Mondays are an opportunity to live out the sanity and wisdom of Christ through Whole Life Worship.

What are some “hot points” that cause you to go crazy on Mondays (or other days)?

Which spiritual practice helps you best to relinquish your craziness to God?

What ways help you to follow the wisdom of Christ during crazy days?