Count Your Blessings

In the 1954 movie White Christmas Bing Crosby sings a song that I enjoy. The song I’m thinking of is “Count Your Blessings.” I was reminded of this song when I recently heard an Amy Grant cover of it. In the song, Crosby sings “when I’m worried and I can’t sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings.”

This sentiment is especially poignant to me in a time where so many of us tend to focus on the hard times and worries that face us today. I confess that I am not immune. With all the news around us, with the hopes, desires, and dreams that we all have—some of which go often seem to go unfulfilled—it’s easy to get into a funk.

I think of David, who authored many of the Psalms in the Bible. There are times when he pours out his heart to God and we read about his fears, his anxieties, disappointments, and laments. When times are tough, it’s good for us to remember that we are not alone, and that we can take our cares to God. On the flip side, however, it seems like some of us have a tendency to pour out our disappointments to God, while forgetting what He has done for us. Maybe you’ve at some point found yourself saying something like, “nobody understands me,” or “life is really really bad right now,” but neglecting to recognize the things God has done for you. You see, so often we forget what God has done for us. Just think about it for a moment: God is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). What has God given to you?

I know He has given us His Love—He proved it by giving Jesus, His only Son for us. He created a world of beauty for us to enjoy. If you’re reading this, you have the ability to see (not to mention the education to read). You have a computer or other internet-capable digital device. What other blessings do you have? Count them! Sing songs about God’s blessings, think of how He shows His love and favor to you.

Times do get bad. They get bad for all of us, but we do have much for which we ought to be thankful to God. Thanksgiving was not so long ago, did you stop to give thanks to God? He has not changed; His love for you will never change. Next time you feel down, remember to count your blessings.