Psalm 128:4

Psalm 128:4

Count your blessings

There was a hymn that was very popular in my childhood, i.e. a long time ago, it was called “Count your Blessings.” Modern songwriters may consider the words to be a bit twee, but I will repeat them here. 

 

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 be 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
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord 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.

 

The verse before us encourages the man who fears the Lord to take a good look at his family and all that he has and to count his blessings not his earthly treasures. In our present culture we can be so tied up with what we don’t have that we forget to thank God for all that He has given us. In fact, this is one of the major differences between the wicked and the godly, the former are never content, they constantly strive for more, the righteous look at what they have and are grateful. We need to think about our priorities and what we value, most of all our families. And, as the old hymn says, we can cast a covetous eye over the lands and gold of the wealthy, but Christ has promised us wealth untold. Hallelujah!

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