Key verse for this series of messages:

Proverbs 23:7 – For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. . . . (New King James Version)

2 Corinthians 4:8-9,18 – 8 We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. 9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. 18 We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever. (New Century Version)

Three Important Keys to Handling the Depressing, Defeating, and Dark Days of Your Life

1. When your situation looks depressing, think about the __________________________________________________

Psalm 27:13-14 – 13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord. (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 31:19 – How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. (New Living Translation)

2. When your situation looks defeating, think about the __________________________________________________

Psalm 147:5 – How great He [God] is! His power is absolute! His understanding is unlimited. (The Living Bible)

Psalm 69:13-15 – 13 But I pray to you, Lord, for favor. God, because of your great love, answer me. You are truly able to save. 14 Pull me from the mud, and do not let me sink. Save me from those who hate me and from the deep water. 15 Do not let the flood drown me or the deep water swallow me or the grave close its mouth over me. (New Century Version)

Jeremiah 32:27 – I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (New International Version)

3. When your situation looks dark, think about the __________________________________________________

Psalm 112:1, 4-8 – 1 Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. . . . 4 When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful – 5 and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly. 6 Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. 7 He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. 8 That is why he is not afraid . . . (The Living Bible)

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (New Living Translation)

Psalm 37:34 – Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing, and you will see the wicked destroyed. (The Living Bible)