Have you ever had one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong? Or maybe it was more like a week, or a month, or a year. Maybe you’re there right now.

Everything you try seems to fail. Every plan you make falls through. Every project you start fizzles out. Even the things that work seem to require twice the effort with half the expected result.

If so, it’s possible you are spending time in the belly of the fish.

“The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭17,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

If you haven’t read the story of Jonah, you should take a moment to read it right now. It’s a great story with thrills, humor, and a relatable main character.

Jonah spent time in the belly of a fish apppointed by God. Why? Because he was on the wrong path. He was working hard but doing all the wrong things.

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach. Instead Jonah immediately took a trip in the opposite direction. That’s when he started having one of those days. Life got very hard, and he was thwarted at every turn.

Until, finally, deep in the belly of a fish, he turned to God. He examined his choices, repented, and cried out for help. And God answered.

God had the fish spit Jonah out. Not into the middle of the sea where he had to swim, but onto dry land. My guess is that the land he was spat onto wasn’t too far from Nineveh, his commanded destination.

Suddenly, Jonah’s life got much simpler. Not necessarily more fun or better or even easier, just simpler. And much more successful.

God repeated His command: “Go to Nineveh and preach.” Jonah obeyed this time, and with a few simple words, the entire city turned to God.

Jesus told His followers that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Maybe, just maybe, when my life seems full of strife and struggle, I need to take some time to examine where I’m going and why. Am I listening to God or pushing forward with my own agenda? Perhaps, it’s the wrong agenda. God’s agenda is the best and simplest with the most direct path to success.

Dear God, thank you that you have a plan and purpose for me. Teach me how to hear your voice and give me the wisdom to obey your direction. Forgive me for the times when I have stubbornly pushed forward with what I wanted to do. Show me when struggles are appointed to reveal a conflict between your path and my chosen path. Please always guide me back to your path and out of the fish’s belly.