We need to count our blessings every day of the year for life, right? OF COURSE! But if we’re not vigilant and paying very close attention, human nature will steer our focus away from BLESSINGS and move it toward WOUNDS.
Once that happens, wounds and worries have a way of hijacking our thoughts and prevent us from “counting blessings.”
But when I think of “counting my blessings,” it conjures up a well-worn phrase that, on its face, rings HOLLOW. Of course it’s true—Christians must count their blessings. But for many people it has become one of those aphorisms that does not get past being a “saying.” The important and God-directed action it is supposed to trigger lies dormant.
That’s why I believe counting blessings is really about CONTENTMENT. The phrase “count your blessings” reminds me to be content and think of all the reasons why that is the case.
Counting blessings is, on its face, a mechanical action as if we are to write them down (which is a great idea, by the way). Whereas being content is a state of mind and heart that is much more significant.
Counting blessings over wounds, in the end, will make us more content and less stressful.
How we view our own life is dependent on where we train our focus. From some angles, it may look like a storm-ravaged disaster. But it can be beautiful when viewed from another angle and through a different lens.
That is why I count my blessings and subordinate my wounds, especially in this month of showing GRATITUDE to God. I want to feel and express the kind of GRATITUDE that creates contentment in my heart.
Father God: May I always put blessings ahead of wounds and regularly count those blessings in a way that leads to my contentment in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I ask God to help me put my blessings ahead of my wounds and regularly count those blessings in a way that leads to my contentment in Christ.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you counting wounds or blessings?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
