The Value of a Thankful Heart
I’m sure we all have experienced times when we have been really discouraged or disgruntled about something. During such times it is often hard to really pray. Maybe it’s because in our humanity we really don’t want to let go of the things that are disturbing us. But whatever the reason, if we take time to pray and begin to meditate on all the blessings God has given us, it is impossible to come away from that place of prayer with the same discouragement or feelings of annoyance. The Psalmist expressed this in Psalm 30, “O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me...Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
Count Your 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.
Chorus:
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.
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 disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
-- Johnson Oatman, Jr.
So, the next time something has stolen your peace, take time to think about God’s goodness and thank Him for His many blessings and you will find your load has been lifted.