Counting my blessings!
There is a Christian song I recently ran across, that was written by Johnson Oatman, called “Count Your Blessings”. This song caught my attention because as we look back at the year 2021, and we look forward to 2022, you and I could get awful discouraged. Last year so much upheaval took place in our country do to the political and civil tension that was going on within our borders. There seemed to be no rest from the constant bombardment of negative information being transferred across our airwaves, be it via the television, internet, or radio.
As we peer into the coming year there is great cause for concern because many of the same points of contention, we experienced previously, are still very much a part of our nation and its people today. Is there something you and I can do to help us see a brighter future, while at the same time to deal with negative thoughts of the past and present?
Well, I believe there is something we can do and the song I mentioned “Count Your Blessings” gives us a good place to start! Here it is.
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, And it will surprise you what the Lord 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, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by. || Count ||
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. || Count ||
So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be disheartened, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. || Count ||
As you and I move forward, as God’s redeemed people, let us not dwell on what we see as the negative things in our lives. But instead, may we focus on all the blessings the Lord has showered upon us, especially the gift of hope which is centered on the joy of our salvation.
Pastor McCarty