Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One

Life either moves at breakneck speeds or as slow as molasses. We are often in the middle, just plugging along and struggling with whatever speed it might be. Over the past few days, with all the events that I’ve faced over the past 18 months, I began to realize how blessed I am, how rotten life could be and then wondered why I’m not feeling happier or satisfied!

Why do we not feel content with life as it exists??? It’s simple. We’ve all been through this, and know why we’re not feeling satisfied. But, unfortunately, our ledger report feels weighted down with the negatives, and we’ve not balanced the “T” account to show the positives!

Take an account of all the blessings! Document all the negatives you want, but realize that positives outweigh negatives any time of the day, and all day long! It’s about your perspective!

Little blessings, big blessings, hidden… You know the drill. Hold nothing back! Blessed, I am, for every breath, day, silver lining, health, family, money, job. Go ahead. Spin the wheel and see what you might have forgotten about!

Maybe It’s Our Lot in Life

It’s easy to forget the good when we focus so heavily on the negative. Social media, news reports, politics, mudslinging, and anything else you can think about! We allow the negative to be our focus! We miss our calling when we cannot see the positive! What’s your word? Positive? Negative? What’s your deed? Good, bad, or indifferent?

We need to change! Remember what Paul said…

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
(Colossians 3:14-17 NKJV)

But in all you do, whether in Word or Deed, do not forget the blessings of God. That’s where our peace comes from! In times of struggles, the rapid pace of changes, or the daily grind of just getting by.

Notice the keywords. Love. Peace. Perfection. Thankful. Word of Christ. Richly. Grace. Word. Deed.

Thanks, God!

An Old Song From 1897

1. 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 has done.
   • Refrain:
     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.]
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

!