Count Your Many Blessings

by Randy Petersen

Composer Johnson Oatman, Jr. lived between 1856 and 1922 and was famous for writing over 5000 gospel hymns, many of which are included in most church hymnals to this day. In one of his most famous songs entitled “When Upon Life’s Billows” he encourages us to count our many blessings.

“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. Count your many blessings see what God hath done.”

In the book The Happiness Principle we learn that we can't be happy if we are unappreciative of our blessings, no matter how small. So how often do you consider, let alone count all of the wonderful blessings in your life? From the time you first open your eyes in the morning do you look around and notice that you have a home around you that has kept you safe, secure and comfortable throughout your night’s slumber. When you walk over to the light switch and flip it on, are you thankful for the instant illumination that you enjoy and the fact that you’re not having to fumble for matches and an oil lamp like those that lived just a few generations ago. Do you think about how your clothes and dishes are washed automatically, and no matter what model you own, you have a car that takes you just about anywhere with ease and in comfort.

Do you have a job? Well even if you're not happy with it; isn’t it great that you have income and a way to support your family? And what about the important people in your life; your family, friends and those who care about you? While you love them, do you think about how grateful you are to have them in your life? And are you exercising this level of gratitude each and every day? Now after reading this you might feel exhausted thinking that such a daily approach would be impossible to achieve, but with a little time and focus it is not just doable but very rewarding. From the choice parking space that greeted you at the grocery store to the beautiful sunny day that follows the storm to the wonderful evening you had last night just playing with and loving your kids, if you will learn to briefly ponder each of your many gifts when they occur and give thanks, something wonderful will begin to happen. 

In time as you become proficient in your daily appreciation it will become harder and harder to be discontent for any extended period of time. It will also help shift your wants and desires from the superficial and spending your hard earned money on things that you don’t need. Finally it will help you in identifying more of the true blessings with which God is currently trying to bless you. So let’s start counting our many blessing.