How do you beat the blues? Some authorities tell us to work on improving our self-esteem by focusing on our needs.
While imprisoned and mistreated, Paul beat the blues by focusing on others, not himself. He wrote to encourage the Philippians and remind them:
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4
This is a good life principle and a good way to beat the blues.
Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project,(1) agrees:
“One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy; one of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself.”
When we get our minds off ourselves and focus on the needs of others...we are a joy to be around...which makes others more joyful...which makes us more joyful....Another Philippians reason to REJOICE!
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(1) The Happiness Project is not a Christian book, but God's wisdom comes through in some of Rubin's discoveries. For a Christian review of the book see Hope is the Word.
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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
clicked on the link to this from your "Back Door" post. I'm down in the dumps because of financial distress and being upset with my son who is expecting me to continue to carry him in his housing situation. Long story, there. God knew I needed a reminder that it's my choice to wallow in worry, or rejoice in His providing what I DO have. Thank you for offering the link.
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