Have you ever heard the old hymn “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman, Jr. and Edwin Excell? Oatman penned these words more than 120 years ago:
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.]
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.
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.
Read these words one more time. Did you know you are blessed? Take a moment to consider all the blessings you have experienced. Think about what you are experiencing at this moment.
When you get caught off guard, count your blessings. When you feel overwhelmed, count your blessings. When you feel overwhelmed by the situation, count your blessings. When you are discouraged, count your blessings. When you feel as though your back is against the wall, count your blessings. There's power in counting blessing. This is a game changer.
When you stop and count, doubt dissipates. When you count, you are reminded that God still moves. When you count your blessings, the load lightens. Today, if you're struggling with loss, change, isolation, loneliness or doubt, make a list of all the blessings in your life.
- Brad Hoffmann
