The first verse and the chorus of the song go like this…
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.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Have you ever actually listed out your blessings from God? I mean, have you ever tried to make a list of all the ways God takes care of you? It’s a daunting task. I’m not sure I could ever make an exhaustive list. I’m sure I would get to what I think is the end and then come up with ten more blessings. But it’s worth a try. David writes,
“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;”
~ Pslam 103:1-2
David then proceeds to list several questions to make himself (and us) contemplate the benefits from the Lord we would never want to forget.
Who pardons all your iniquities?
Who heals all your diseases?
Who redeems your life from the pit?
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion?
Who satisfies your years with good things?
~Psalms 103:3-5a
The answer: The Lord.
So count your many blessings, name them one by one, and maybe it won’t be a surprise to you what the Lord has done.
I challenge you, in the next few days, make a list of your blessings and be thankful.
For the Lord,
Alex Mills