Have you ever experienced the “Sunday Scaries”?
No, it’s not the fear of the preacher preaching too long.
If you’ve never heard of the “Sunday Scaries,” you’re not alone. I just learned about it the other day on an in-depth segment on The Today Show.
Apparently, it’s a real thing. In fact, Merriam-Webster recently added the term, defining it as “feelings of anxiety or sadness that arise on Sunday from the knowledge that the weekend is almost over.”
According to the segment, modern workplace demands, the pressure to remain constantly available, economic uncertainty, and dwelling on unfinished business often exacerbate this pre-Monday dread.
On October 11, The Wall Street Journal ran a headline that said: “The Sunday Scaries Are Real—and They’re Getting Worse.” It reports that:
More than half of the U.S. workers surveyed by FlexJobs—over 2,100 people—experienced the feeling.
Workload or unfinished tasks was the most frequently cited contributor.
Increasing workloads, worries about job security, and weekend work communications contribute to the dread.
Reading those findings made me think about the difference worship can make in our outlook on Sunday—and on the week ahead.
My friend, preaching colleague, and fellow blogger, Roger Shouse, often says, “Sunday is the best day of the week.”
Roger’s right. Sunday offers a special opportunity to come into God’s presence and worship. To find spiritual peace. To acknowledge Him who is greater than yourself. To remind yourself of your purpose in life. And to enjoy the fellowship of other Christians.
Personally, I have found worship, even with the demands of preparing and preaching sermons, to be a time that produces peace.
When Asaph was troubled and confused, he “went into the sanctuary of God” (Ps. 73:16–17). In God’s presence, he renewed his confidence, gained strength, and found perspective. Worship can move us from turmoil to trust.
The prophet Isaiah also describes the peace that comes from a mind fixed on God. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). When we focus on the Almighty at any time, especially in worship, we can find that peace.
Another way to calm those experiencing the “Sunday Scaries” is personal time spent in prayer. Paul’s inspired advice in Philippians 4:6–7 will serve you well here.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Another remedy for the Sunday Scaries is to focus your thinking on higher and nobler ideals. In the same text, we are admonished to think on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, as well as anything else that is excellent, virtuous, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).
Furthermore, I am reminded of an old saying, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but won’t get you anything.”
Rather than rehearsing tomorrow’s problems, prayerfully identify what you can do today. Then take the next step with diligence. The wise man advised, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Eccl. 9:10). Taking constructive action can help us face our responsibilities with greater confidence.
Additionally, the Bible’s injunction to work not merely to please men, but to serve the Lord, can renew our sense of purpose and improve our attitude toward co-workers and supervisors (Eph. 6:5–9).
One final thought: some people experience the “Sunday Scaries” because they procrastinate. The book of Proverbs often speaks of the negative consequences of neglecting our responsibilities (Prov. 14:23; 20:4; 19:15). Work daily with diligence, enthusiasm, and heart (Col. 3:23).
Psychologists like Dr. Varma offer practical suggestions worth considering. Scripture also directs us toward worship, prayer, wholesome thinking, and purposeful work.
When we make Sunday the best day of the week—and carry its blessings into Monday—we can face the week with greater peace and confidence.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
