Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. Luke 6:20-23
When I was a child there was a wonderful hymn we sang in church titled “Count Your Blessings.” You may remember it; we don’t sing it much anymore because its words are a bit antiquated, but the premise of the song is an important one. When we are discouraged, when we are weighed down with the cares of this life, when we see others flourishing while we are barely getting by, or when we are embroiled in conflict, we do not need to let these thoughts consume us, depress us, or make us doubt God’s love for us.
What do we need to do? The song title says it all. We need to count our blessings.
A favorite author of mine, Anne Voskamp wrote a wonderful little book, One Thousand Gifts. It documents a year long effort she made to keep a journal of things for which she was grateful. Finding things to be grateful for in every situation of life, can be a challenge for me. I think that is why I loved her book and also why I love the song “Count Your Blessings.” They both remind me to look for the good, the blessing, the unexpected moments of joy in even the worst of times.
So, this Thanksgiving if you are struggling to find God’s goodness and grace to you in the trials of life, drag out a journal or a piece of paper and start a list. I’ll give you three things to start your list:
- You woke up this morning with the breath of life in your lungs by God’a design.
- You are able to see, hear, read and comprehend these words of encouragement.
- You have a heavenly Father who loves you and nothing you do or don’t do can change that!
Now it’s your turn. Go for it! Add to your list. Intentionally think through and seek out things worth giving thanks for no matter how small they are. Good things come in small packages you know!
Listen to the hymn. Mull over its words. Count your blessings and be blessed!
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, 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]
Baptist Hymnal, 1991
Priceless 