My family and I live in city where there are many churches. Some of these have signs with changeable letters. The signs usually have a short message or proverb to catch the attention of people passing by.
One sign gave the message “Count your blessings not your burdens.”
This reminded me of a hymn that we sometimes sing.
Count your Blessings
by 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.
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—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.
* * *
Acts 16
Paul and Silas were preaching in the city of Philippi in Macedonia. They had some success. Lydia and her household believed in the Lord and were baptized. She then opened her house to Paul and Silas for their ministry.
But others turned against the apostle and his missionary companion. Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and imprisoned. The jailer put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Paul and Silas could have easily been discouraged or distraught. Instead, they were praying and singing hymns to God at midnight, while other prisoners listened.
Perhaps the two missionaries were still rejoicing over the faith of Lydia and her family.
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer awoke, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
Paul then preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to the jailer and his family.
And remember the example of Lydia who was both a hearer and doer of the word.
* * *
May we all follow the examples of Paul and Silas as we face trials and adversity.
May the Lord bless you,
Tom Irvine