Count Your Blessings
Updated: Jan 25
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, *Count your many blessings, see what God has done. *And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897 Public Domain.
Welcome to another week. I typed one blog several days ago, to post today alongside YouTube. However, the blog took a different turn while praying this morning. I began by listing everything God has done and continues to do for me: salvation, shelter, clothing, children, grandchildren, food, transportation, pets, health, a church family, and several other things I could remember. As my list developed, more tears fell. Therefore, I thought about the draft I had previously written about trust (Unpublished) which quickly fell by the wayside.
Fast forward an hour or so later. I drove to the big box store after my first stop. I located the merchandise I needed. However, of course, the trip was diverted by a detour down an unexpected (not unusual in this store) aisle. An elderly lady sat in a motorized cart. We shared the usual pleasantries, family matters, past experiences, and church. However, trusting God became the heart of the conversation, leading to acknowledging how much he blesses those who trust him. That said, many do not realize how much God has blessed them, even in dire situations. In these settings, it is hard to count one’s blessings. Amid our conversation about trusting God, his provisions, and blessings, another customer and her son walked down the same aisle. Soon the three of us are holding a conversation about God. Our conversation concluded with the wonderfulness of God, a few world events, and his soon arrival. What a blessing!
Now for the best part: God promises blessings in the Bible which is the topic of the above song. These are only a few blessings.
1. God provides our needs. (Philippians 4:19)
2. The just. (Proverbs 10:6)
3. The faithful. (Proverbs 28:20)
4. Spiritual blessings. (Ephesians 1:3)
5. The merciful, meek, mourners, persecuted, peacemakers. (Matthew 5)
6. Those who believe without seeing him. (John 20:29)
7. The givers. (Acts 20:35)
8. The righteous without works for salvation. (Romans 4:6)
9. Those whose sins are forgiven. (Romans 4:7)
10. Those who have faith. (Galatians 3:9)
11. When we endure temptation. (James 1:12)
12. Blessings when we read Revelation. (Revelation 1:3)
There are many more promises, these are only a few. Often our world gets so busy, we forget we are alive because of Jesus. Sadly, millions of people have not come to the knowledge of his love, forgiveness, or grace. If they have not come to these conclusions, how can one count his attribute of blessings? Even some who have accepted his grace, and live in constant fear of death are blessed. Why? They will see be with him soon and escape. Sadly, as the times become darker, billions still live without any hope and cannot see God’s blessings. However, those who know him, know God is amazing and wonderful, alongside many other adjectives describing his holy, divine character. We are looking forward to seeing his face. This morning was wonderful as the ladies and I talked about Christ, his grace, mercy, and forgiveness. After our conversation, I continued thinking about him this morning. I realized we are nothing without his grace and mercy. I also realized we are blessed to have a savior who laid down his life for us. Therefore, counting blessings becomes a lifeline when life becomes unbearable.
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 [*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.
I hope this blog is a blessing to all who search for Christ or may have never read the Bible. God’s love is unmatched and will always continue. He is the ruler of all and he offers salvation- (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), no questions asked when you believe with your heart. It is only too late to accept his offer of salvation when a person dies. God gives grace and mercy each day, therefore each day is another chance to accept his gift. I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.com I hope you have a great week. Please remember to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Thanks for visiting with me this week.
