Count Your Blessings
As the birds sing this morning, a song pops into my mind. I recall the lyrics, and they encourage me to focus not on my concerns but on my blessings instead.
Early-morning sunshine streams through my sailboat’s pilothouse windows. Sailor-Man has already left for our ministry office, and I am alone. All is quiet but for the sound of birds chirping. Theirs is a happy song, and it lifts my spirits.
It reminds me of Matthew 6:25-27:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Plenty of reasons to worry
I watch grocery bills and gas prices skyrocket (it’s now $2.20/liter or nearly $10/gallon where I live) and wonder what the future holds. Personal stresses add to the load we carry. Broken relationships, financial uncertainties, health issues, and more weigh on us. How easily we can lose hope and fall into despair. Been there, done that. Don’t want to do that again.
This morning I woke carrying concerns for which I’ve prayed and prayed without receiving answers. I have no idea when the breakthroughs will come or what they’ll look like when they do, but this I know—worrying about these things in the meantime won’t fix them.
As the birds sing this morning, a song of a different sort pops into my mind. I recall the lyrics, and they encourage me to focus not on my concerns but on my blessings instead. May I share this song with you?
Count Your Blessings – Written by Johnson Oatman
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.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]
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. [Refrain]
Today I will count my blessings
The list begins with acknowledging God’s love. It’s perfect, and His intent toward me is good. Therefore, I can trust Him and not be afraid.
Will you join me in counting our blessings?
Let’s link hands on this journey and encourage each other by declaring at least one blessing in the comment section.
Know you are loved,
Grace
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Order your copy of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation and discover practical steps for facing and overcoming some of the top fears women face today.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copy here.
I am thankful for the loved ones around me that God blesses me with. Continually He is blessing me with expanding my family and also bringing new wise and godly people into my life.
Hi Roxy! I’m thankful with you for family and for wise and godly people who God places into our lives. Have a great day!
I am thankful God allowed me to wake this beautiful morning . And the list just started as we open our eyes God has blessed me and mine over and over ?
Hi Kathy! I hope your day has been filled with blessings too many to count. Know you are loved!
I am thankful for God’s presence right beside me every second of every day. He reminds me what I need to do, where things are and makes me feel so safe as I live alone. This weekend I have friends visiting. It is wonderful!
Hi Norma! Thanks for sharing about the things for which you’re thankful. I find your comment about God’s presence so encouraging. I know others will, too. Know you are loved!
My BIGGEST blessings
My Jesus ??
My 3 wonderful kids and my 3 beautiful grandsons
Thank You God for each one
Hi Linda! Thanks so much for telling us about your greatest blessings. I think many readers here can relate. Have a great day, and know you are loved!
Just read this today. The day I needed it the most. “The Blessing” – knowing Gid is in cintrol.
Hi Sheryl:
I love how the Holy Spirit gives us what we need at the right time. I’m so glad He did that for you today, my friend!
My blessings is being able to spend the time with God each morning and thanking him for my recent job opportunity to relocate to the west coast. I praise God for all the future blessings He has in store for me.
Spending time with God every morning truly is a blessing. Welcome to the west coast!