“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. 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 – 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 blessing, angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” Johnson Oatman, Jr. penned those encouraging words in 1897, but they are just as true and inspiring today as they were back then.
I think Mr. Oatman may have had these scriptures in mind as he wrote that inspiring hymn. “Oh Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all of your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.” (Psalms 40:5) “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
Gratitude is a powerful antidepressant. As Christians, we have the advantage of knowing who to thank for every good thing in our life – even for life itself. The older I get the more grateful I am for the people God has put in my life and all that they do to bless me. I just received a text from the young woman who lives next door. She just got back from California and wanted to see how I’m doing and bring some food over to me tomorrow. I am so thankful she thinks of me. (She even loves to read my blog.) With my physical limitations, even strangers bless me so much. I can’t remember the last time I had to open a door.
If your struggles have blinded you to the blessings in your life, just ask God to open your eyes to them and His Holy Spirit inside you will point out all of them for you. You will be amazed at all of the things you have been taking for granted or overlooking. It is impossible to be depressed or feel sorry for yourself when you are grateful to God and others around you for all that they do. If you have trouble sleeping, instead of counting sheep, count your blessings. My problem is that I always lose count before I drift off to sleep.