Count Your Blessings

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”—Ephesians 1:3 NASB

Johnson Oatman Jr. grew up listening to his father, who loved to sing. Johnson must have listened carefully, for he discovered how music could lift the spirits and even express theological truths.

Born in New Jersey in 1856, he became successful in business and an ordained minister. But he would be remembered primarily as the author of more than 5,000 hymns.

In one of his most beloved hymns, “Count Your Blessings,” he confessed his personal struggles. He described being “tempest tossed,” “discouraged,” and “thinking all is lost.” In those dark moments, he found the answer: “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

He knew believers could feel “burdened with a load of care.” At those times as we count our blessings, we will find our doubts disappearing. Instead of being depressed or discouraged, we will focus anew on God and suddenly experience freedom and even joy.

Thinking about God’s Word, Johnson realized He promised “wealth untold.” No matter what we face, we must “not be discouraged” but remember that “God is over all,” sovereign.

Stop for a moment to count your blessings. Put aside questions and problems. Start naming His blessings one by one. Thank Him for what He already has done! Ask Him to change your heart and give you an attitude of expectation.

Reflection Question: List as many blessings as you can think of.