As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we are reminded to stop and give Thanks for our many blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 tells us:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
When I think of Thanksgiving, I remember the words from one of my favorite hymns. Count Your Blessings written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman Jr. and put to music by Edwin Excel.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you get discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
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 burden 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 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:
When I become discouraged or I am feeling low, I sing this song and I read this poem I keep in my Bible.
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses;
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes;
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears;
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean;
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
I am blessed everyday because I have an awesome God who gave me the greatest blessing: His Son Jesus Christ my Lord.
Thank you Lord Today and Everyday! Amen.