Happy Thanksgiving

Count Your Blessings

Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., in Songs or Young People, by Edwin Excell (Chicago, IL:1897).

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,
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 blessings, every 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 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.

Refrain

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We sang this song in church during Thanksgiving. I remember singing it as a kid - but never really listening or thinking about the words in the verses. How powerful they are to my life today! I also recently read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (www.onethousandgifts.com). I've started listing gifts and blessings that God has lavished on me. Counting my many blesssings - naming them one by one. What was true to Johnson Oatman, Jr back in the 1800's is still true for me (and you)today. GIVE THANKS! And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.