Count Your Blessings {Day 31}
This is the thirty-first post in my 31 Days of Living on Less Series. If you’d like to read all the posts in order, go to Day 1.
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When I began this series, my husband had just lost his job. I was looking for a way to encourage myself to focus on the positive, rather than dwelling on the negative. I gave myself little projects to keep myself productively busy (things like cleaning out the pantry, decluttering my closet, simplifying our clothing, and making meal plans based on what we already had in the pantry).
But the most important thing I learned through this challenge is that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” No matter what we have or don’t have, what really matters in the end is our attitude. What matters most is how grateful we are for the mercy and grace that’s been freely poured into our lives.
We can be rich in material things and yet poor in our spiritual life. Or we can focus on living a life of gratitude.
Today I wanted to share this familiar hymn with you (I can hear my mother’s voice singing this, which is a happy memory from childhood!). You can listen to it here.
Count Your Blessings
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.
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,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
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.
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.
Refrain
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 home on high.
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain
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.
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.
Refrain
We have so much to be thankful for. For one thing, we found out a few days ago that my husband will be able to keep his job for awhile longer! We’re so thankful for this!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series. Thank you so much for following along with me and encouraging me through this journey!
This series is wonderful! There are so many great tips and sage advice! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Thank you!
It was a well-done series, Joy! I am giving thanks with you for the answered prayer of your husband's job. In this upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season, may we continue to faithfully count our blessings!
Thank you, Kristen! I enjoyed your series also! ♥
How wonderful Joy to hear the news of your Husbands job so happy the pressure has been lifted
We all have so much to be thankful for -I love this Hymn and sing it quite often
I love the photo 🙂
I shall miss this series it was very well thought out and so glad for you that you were able to achieve so much in your home in a positive way
Blessings to All
Fiona ♥
Thank you so much for your kind words and all the encouragement you've offered, Fiona! Blessings to you! ♥
I loved your series. Not only did you give some practical ideas, but your example of a heart of gratitude is a gentle reminder of what is really important…and eternal.
What a blessing that he will have his job a bit longer. Praying that the right, next job comes seamlessly!
Carol <3
Thank you so much, Carol! And I really appreciate the prayers for his job!