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

1. B-elieve the Positive

Philippians 4:8 AV

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

•     Too many Christians believe negatives rather than positives.

•     They look for, listen to, and concentrate on all the bad things that happen.

•     Contrarily, we should dwell on positives

•     looking for the good in others and circumstances.

2. L-ook for the Purpose

1 Peter 5:10 AV

¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

•     God has a purpose

•     for his people in all he allows.

•     We win over discouragement

•     by looking for his purpose.

•     Sometimes Christians are tested

•     to strengthen and increase their faith.

•     God promised to “strengthen.”

3. U-tilize the Promises

Romans 15:4 AV

⁴ For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

•     Christians lack victory

•     because they neglect God’s promises

•     thus forfeiting many benefits promised in God’s Word.

•     We must utilize God’s promises

1.   by reading them,

2.   remembering them,

3.   and referring to them often.

4. E-ncourage Other People

2 Corinthians 1:3–6 AV

³ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

⁴ Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

⁶ And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

•     Many people fall into discouragement

•     because they fail to help those who are in need.

•     They are too involved with selfish pursuits.

•     We should encourage others

•     by reaching out to help them with their problems.

•     This often enables us to solve our own difficulties.

5. S-ing God’s Praises

Psalm 59:16 AV

¹⁶ But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

•     Most Christians fail to praise the Lord enough.

1.   Praising God brings hope.

2.   It helps lift us out of despair.

Psalm 71:14 AV

¹⁴ But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

If you want to beat the blues:

1.   Believe the Positive

2.   Look for the Purpose

3.   Utilize the Promises

4.   Encourage Others

5.   Sing God’s Praises

Our hope at Irvington Bible Baptist Church is that this podcast provided some encouragement and has helped you to develop a closer relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ.