Count Your Blessings: Time to Refocus

Living Free Every Day®

Today's Scripture
"Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9 CEV

Thoughts for Today
It is often easier to see the dark side rather than the hopeful side of things. Easier to despair about a situation than to face it with faith and hope. Easier to see other people's faults than their virtues. Easier to complain than to speak positive words. Easier to see our problems than our blessings. Easier to see our failures than our strengths. This tendency is usually accentuated in the lives of people struggling with depression. They tend to experience increased irritability and anger and a deep sense of worthlessness.

Today's scripture tells us to focus on the positive, the good. To always think about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. And the God of peace will be with us.

Consider this
Have you been focusing on your problems? Begin to name all the blessings in your life. Write them down. Speak them aloud. Thank God for them.

Have you been dwelling on your failures and seeing yourself as worthless? Remember that you are precious to God. Jesus loved you enough to die for you. He has created you for a good purpose and given you the gifts and means to fulfill that purpose. You are important to him.

Prayer
Father, forgive me for being so negative. Help me to have a more positive perspective concerning situations, relationships and especially concerning myself. Help me to focus on what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. As I do this, I pray that you will fill me with your peace. In Jesus' name

These thoughts were drawn from

Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.

• Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships

• Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare

• Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support

• Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons

• How to pray for healing and what to expect

• Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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