The hymn "Count Your Blessings" by Johnson Oatman Jr. (pub. 1897):
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Source:for the lyrics "Count Your Blessings"
This hymn illustrates the spiritual truth and paradox that as one counts one's blessings, one is comforted (even in the midst of difficulties) because one is reminded of God's goodness.
Sometimes it is hard to count your blessings, because all you can see is what you haven't been blessed with, and it is okay to tell God how you're feeling. I've done that more times than I like to admit. God already knows anyway and He doesn't condemn us (Romans 8:1).
Counting one's blessings does not mean denial of very real pain and difficulties. It simply means that you are also recognizing God's goodness in the midst of it.
I have also learned over the years that there is always something I can be thankful for even when it is hard. I can always give thanks based on what God has promised me. I can thank Him that I have the freedom (because of Christ) to come to Him for the grace and mercy that I need.
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4: 14-16 ESV
Isn't that wonderful that Jesus can "sympathize with our weaknesses?" Marvelous grace.
He has promised to never abandon me (Heb. 13;5) so I can thank Him that He is WITH me. I can thank Him that He has forgiven me of my sins and made me new in Christ. I can thank Him that He uses trials to help me mature (Romans 5:3-5) so my suffering is never meaningless. I can thank Him for the hope of heaven. I am also grateful for faithful family and friends.
I confess that I woke up feeling blue today and I forced myself to write this post. The simple exercise of counting my blessings as I wrote this post encouraged me. I pray that this post encourages you.
Faith in God's love is the horse that leads the cart of my feelings.
Have you counted your blessings today? What are you grateful for today? I would love to hear from you.
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