Psalm 103:1-5 "All that I am, praise the Lord; everything in me, praise his holy name. My whole being, praise the Lord and do not forget all his kindnesses. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He saves my life from the grave and loads me with love and mercy. He satisfies me with good things and makes me young again, like the eagle."
OK, for a lot of you, maybe just reading this title has you humming a familiar tune you might have learned as a child or have sung to your own children. It's so easy to get caught up in all the negative that surrounds us daily that we sometimes forget the good happening in our lives and homes. We let the burdens weigh us down instead of giving them to Jesus and our joy can be lost. Let's start with the old familiar song and then look at some things in a new light.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done,
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
(The link with the music is at the end)
-Count your blessings instead of your crosses
There is no doubt we all have crosses to bear. Heartache, personal struggles, home life, upbringing, and so many more. These crosses can become a heavy burden and steal our joy, our health, our relationships. Even amidst the crisis of these crosses, God is still finding ways to bring us blessings. When you lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus, they don't automatically go away but they become lighter, and we can find the joy and see the blessings. Each day look for the blessings and begin to count.
-Count your gains instead of your losses
Each victory won, each hurdle overcome, it's because a gain over sin in this world and brings you closer to Jesus. There will be times we still lose but when we begin to look at the gain, those losses become fewer and fewer. There is always victory in Jesus, so let Him lead and start upping the side of gain over loss.
-Count your joy instead of woes
We are told in James 1 to count it all joy when trials come because it is testing our faith which produces patience, that helps us become perfect, and complete for the day of salvation. No, Jesus doesn't want us to hurt and have sorrows, but sin has entered our lives, so He helps provide a way to get through them with a promise. Woes will come but there is always so much more that can bring us joy.
-Count your friends instead of foes
This can be easy. Whether just a few or a handful we all have more friends than foes. Let go of what they think or how they treat you because Jesus counts you as a friend and will always have your back. That's why He provided earthly friends too. So, the foes can be overlooked, and you can learn your real value.
-Count your smiles instead of tears
Have you smiled at least once today? How about had a good laugh or two? When you start counting all the smiles you've shared it can outnumber the days of tears. Sadness will come and a good cry is needed, but the tears are about a moment in your life of smiles, laughs and good things
-Count your courage instead of your fears
I know I have fears in forms of phobias, but I also have personal fears of speaking up against someone for the truth, fears of rejection, fears of making a complete fool of myself when I try something. Those are hard to overcome but when I think of the good, when I face fear through courage it helps me be stronger to do it again. Count the good in your life each time you face a fear.
-Count your health instead of your wealth
Are you alive and breathing? Each day we wake up, is a gift from God, each day we get through healthy, is another gift from God. Jesus says it's not about earthly treasures, they will be ruined and won't go to heaven with us. Our treasures need to be stored in heaven with God. Money is needed here on earth and it's good to have some, but earthly wealth is just that, earthly. Only good to have while we’re here. Our focus should be spent in not just living each day but what we can do to further the gospel.
-Count on God instead of yourself!
Without God nothing is possible, with God all things are possible! God has promised to go before us each day fighting our battles, so we don't have to be alone. Why would we even consider going it alone, let alone doing it our way? No matter what you're facing, you can count on God.
So, today if you're feeling a little down, may be lost or heavy burdened. Count your blessings, name them one by one and see what God truly has done for you and be confident He is still blessing.
Life can be a challenge so do the best you can.
Make a smile and a prayer part of your daily plan.
Count all your blessings, you'll see you have a lot.
Show an attitude of gratitude, for everything you’ve got.
-Sue Pitchfork
I hope you have been able to join me as we have begun our walk through 1 Corinthians. It's always good to find some time to soak in the Word of God throughout the day and let His words fill you with so many wonderful things. Today we will continue with lesson 4 and read 1 Corinthians 3:1-17. Remember there is a short study below you can follow or just read along with me and let the Lord speak to you and encourage you.
Lesson 4- 1 Corinthians 3:1-17- https://www.docdroid.net/HqzcHzD/1-corinthians-study-4-docx
Count Your Blessings link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZECFq4BvRQ
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