Count Your Blessings

The following song was written by Johnson Oatman and Edwin Excell. As we read the words, let’s think about all that God has blessed us with.

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.

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.

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 disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

The authors of this song understood the importance of being thankful for what we have. They knew they were blesses, just as all of us are today.

We can also approach thankfulness in a different way than usual. Instead of trying to think of everything that God has blessed you with, ask Him to show you everything that He has blessed you with. Notice the people who have less than you, and ask yourself how you can help them. Donating time, money, food, blood, etc. are ways to share our blessings with those in need. You can bless others without having to spend hours of your time and hundreds of your dollars. And remember, our most important blessings are not the ones we can own and touch––they are the blessings we feel.

Colossians 1:11-14 “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

By Megan Skinner