How Are We Beating the B-L-U-E-S?

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him” (Ps. 42:5).

Christians can beat the B-L-U-E-S if they:

B-elieve the Positive

“Whatsoever things are of good report … think on these things” (Phil. 4:8).

A. Too many Christians believe negatives rather than positives. They look for, listen to, and concentrate on all the bad things that happen.

B. Contrarily, we should dwell on positives, looking for the good in others and circumstances.

L-ook for the Purpose

“After that ye have suffered a while … stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

A. God has a purpose for his people in all he allows. We win over discouragement by looking for his purpose.

B. Sometimes Christians are tested to strengthen and increase their faith. God promised to “strengthen.”

U-tilize the Promises

“… that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

A. Some Christians lack victory because they neglect God’s promises, thus forfeiting many benefits promised in God’s Word.

B. We must utilize God’s promises by reading them, remembering them, and referring to them often.

E-ncourage Other People

“… that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble …” (2 Cor. 1:4).

A. Many people fall into discouragement because they fail to help those who are in need. They are too involved with selfish pursuits.

B. We should encourage others by reaching out to help them with their problems. This often enables us to solve our own difficulties.

S-ing God’s Praises

“Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious” (Ps. 66:2).

A. Most Christians fail to praise the Lord enough. Praising God brings hope. It helps lift us out of despair.

B. The psalmist said, “But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more” (Ps. 71:14).