God Speaks--Blessings

It is the time of year when we begin to focus our attention on the blessings in our lives. This year in particular has been a difficult one in which to find many blessings. We often get so wrapped up in our sorrows and problems, that we forget to focus on the good things.  An old hymn, written in 1867, may be a needed one this year. "Count Your Blessings" was written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr, and I can only imagine it was sung quite often at the beginning of the 20th century. The country in the first 20 years of the 20th century certainly had gone through a lot, including a World War and a world-wide pandemic.

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. 

Psalm 2:12--"But blessings await all who trust in Him. They will find God a gentle refuge."

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. 

Psalm 5:12--"You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things in the laps of the right-hearted. Your blessings surround them like a shield."

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.

Psalm 92:7--"That evil men sprout like grass and wicked men flourish, only so that they will be doomed forever." 

Psalm 128:4--"Such are the blessings the Eternal lavishes on those who stand in awe of Him!"

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.

Psalm 67:7--"God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him."

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.

Psalm 115:15--"May the blessings of the Eternal, maker of heaven and earth, be on you."