There’s a beautiful hymn that says: “Count your many blessings, count them one by one. Count your many blessings and see what God has done.” Many years ago I was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease. During an 8 to 10 month time when I had to spend the majority of time in bed. During that time my little boy, Evan, would come into my room. It was close to his birthday and he would say: “Daddy, its 6 days until my birthday.” The next day he would say… it’s 5 days until my birthday, and so on he counted down to his 6th birthday.

 During that period I began responding to some medications and was able to get out of bed. Each evening I would go into my older boy’s room and read the scriptures and we would talk about the word. They were 12 at the time. One night when I went to kiss my oldest boy John Keith good night he turned to me and said: “Daddy, this is the fourth day that you’ve been well.” I thought about Evan who had been counting down in anticipation of what was to come. Then I thought of John Keith… recounting with appreciation of what had happened.

 The following night was my birthday and as I lay in bed unable to sleep due to pain I began to think on the hymn “Count your many blessings, name them one by one.” I can count my blessings in anticipation that one day I will see the Lord Jesus but I can recount His faithfulness.

Perhaps you’re in a place today, maybe a place of hurt or pain. Why don’t you follow little John Keith and think back and count… look what God has done in all these days. Thank Him for the ones that shared the Lord Jesus with you. Thank Him for the ones who have loved you.  Thank Him for His faithfulness and maybe end up singing a song of praise to the Master and say Thank you Lord that I can count my many blessings and name them one by one. “I count my many blessings, Lord, and see what you have done.”

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.

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.

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.”