Saturday, March 15, 2014

Devotion

When upon life's billows you are tempest toss'd,
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 has done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
and you will keep singing as the days go by. (Refrain)

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. (Refrain)

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.

This gospel hymn is not in any of our contemporary hymnbooks. However, I remember singing this verse in church when I was young. It has stuck in my memory and it came to mind as we remembered the blessing promised to Abraham and Sarah in Monday’s reflections on Genesis 12:1-4.

It may be a good exercise for all of us as we journey through the 40 days of Lent. Recall the blessings of baptism, the blessings of the Word, the blessings of sharing "the cup of blessing" in communion, the blessing of God's love in Jesus, the blessings in our families and the treasures of the earth.

Often we hear athletes saying, "I am blessed." Yes, we are blessed! Go ahead, spend some time "counting your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! ... And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done." Yes, we are blessed to be a blessing, and that blessing is meant to bless the whole world.

Start counting!