The peace that passing understanding. Such an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do. When casting all our cares upon the Lord, He says "Don't worry about anything." Anything? Really? Is that possible? I joke with all seriousness that when God gives you a child what you don't see with the bundle of joy you've been give is a huge bag of worry strapped to your shoulders. I wish I didn't worry...I worry about money, health, safety, the future, the what if's, the how to's, and the if only's. Mind you I function fine and with the utmost positive outlook on life everyday. It's when my head hits the pillow to close my eyes and rest my weary head. BAM like a bolt of lightening the worry is turned on! These verses from Philippians 4:6-7 have been playing in my head like a broken record. "tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers." I've been coming to God with my "to do list" my whole life, because that's what I'm supposed to do throw everything at Him. Then all my worries will vanish. With this thought process I get let down and my worries seem to multiple. The part of the verse that never stood out to me was "and don't forget to thank him for his answers." The old and classic hymn that has been playing in my head must have been inspired from this verse (although I have no facts on the hymn, I've included the hymn below). Have you ever sat down and counted your blessings? I mean every single one. From the air we get to breath, to the food we are blessed to eat, even the job we are dissatisfied with, or the the lessons God is teaching us? That's been the challenge I've been giving myself. Right now there are so many things in my life that are falling apart and that are causing me to worry, but everyday God is providing and blessing us and somehow outside of what my husband and I can do things are falling in place and we are being blessed by God. My prayer life is turning into more of a praise session then every before. Yes, there is still some worry, but my trust in God honestly is stronger then it has been in years. So, I will continue to count my blessings and thank God for all He is doing and providing in my life.
Count Your Blessings | Johnson Oatman, Jr.
- 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.- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
- Refrain:
- 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—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. - So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
