Count Your Blessings, Part One: Thoughts on this Truth

I woke early this morning with an old hymn in my head by Jonathan Oatman. The first stanza reads:

"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"

This first stanza of "Count Your Blessings" suggests that the antidote to discouragement, to weariness from life's storms, or to despair is to count your blessings. 

Count your blessings. 

How often do we really do that and appreciate them? The very fact that I write this and you have access to the Internet to read it is a blessing.  How many people in this world do not have that luxury?

What are some blessings we often overlook: Money in your pocket or in the bank? Roof over your head? Food in your cupboard? Friends? Family? Transportation? Clothes?

I know circumstances can easily overwhelm.  It is much easier to look at what your don't have. It is far easier to compare what you lack to what others do have. When tempted to do that we need to remember this stanza:

"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."

This is not our home. We are merely strangers passing through. Any discomfort in this life reminds us of that. Our reward is heaven...don't allow the joy of that truth to be taken from you.