The hymn and phrase “Count Your Blessings” encourages one to have an attitude of gratitude, especially through trials. When Christians count our blessings, we realize that (1) they are innumerable, and (2) the problems we face are not worthy to be compared with our blessings.
The word most often used for “blessed” in the New Testament means “fortunate, well off” (see Strong G3107). Jesus says this describes the “poor in spirit,” those who “mourn,” the “meek,” those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness,” the “merciful,” the “pure in heart,” the “peacemakers,” and those “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt. 5:3-10). This shows that blessedness in God’s eyes is contingent on choosing to obey Him.
Those who choose to please God are blessed “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). These blessings are made possible through God sending His Son to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus’ sacrifice makes it possible for us to be God’s children (Ephesians 1:5), receiving His care through prayer and providence (1 Peter 3:12; 1 Peter 5:7).
God has also given us His Word, which contains “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) and allows us to be “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17).
While these things touch on what God has done for each of us individually, consider also the gratitude we can have for what God has done for and through others:
Paul wrote to the saints at Rome, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all” (Romans 1:8). He told the Corinthians, “I thank my God always on your behalf” (1 Corinthians 1:4). To the saints at Ephesus, Paul said, “[I] cease not to give thanks for you” (Ephesians 1:16). He told the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3). To the Colossians, he said, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (Colossians 1:3). To the Thessalonians, he said, “We give thanks to God always for you all” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).
When we consider what God has done for us and others who obey, it makes it difficult not to proclaim, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 107:1). Earthly problems pale in comparison to the “unspeakable gift[s]” God offers (2 Corinthians 9:15; cf. Romans 8:18).
This doesn’t mean God’s children should never be sorrowful over things of this life (cf. John 11:35). There are times when it is appropriate to mourn (Romans 12:15), and it is OK to acknowledge circumstances that are not ideal.
Yet, our general state should be one of gratitude, and not anxiety (Philippians 4:4-6). Our affection should be focused on things above and not on things on this earth (Colossians 3:2). Our treasures should lie in heaven, and not earth (Matthew 6:19-20). Our priorities should lead us to remember God’s greatness and grace regardless of earthly circumstances.
Luke 17 contains an account of ten lepers who were cleansed of their leprosy. One of the ten, “when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving Him thanks” (verses 15-16). Jesus commended this one grateful man, but questioned what came of the other nine (verses 17-19).
Like those nine, Christians sometimes forget that we have been cleansed. We can focus on temporal troubles more than the graciousness of God. This can lead to lives filled with more worry than joy or gratitude.
When we fail to have contentment and gratitude, we must ask where our priorities are. If we count our blessings (and weigh them), it is apparent that even though life doesn’t always go our way, nothing we face can compare with the blessings God offers.
Thanks be to God for all of His unspeakable gifts.
– Michael Hickox