DON'T BE SAD; COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

Looking around my home and my life, I see so many things that need repair, replacement and restoration. My sofa got a tear and requires stitching, my rug protector ought to be thrown out and a new one bought. I published three books between 2003 and 2005 but none else till date. I need that restored: constant book publishing. I certainly write a lot but the journey from manuscript to book has seemed more daunting with time.

Perhaps you have your own list of things that are worn out, dysfunctional or missing. These things can make you so so sad if you let them. But I like to take the advice of the old song, "Count Your Blessings." Sometimes I look around and I thank God for the things that are well and working in my life, I thank Him for the things I have and receive, however small they might be.

I thank God for the gift of life and good health, for my faith, family, job, friends, students, this blog and my other one (edithohaja.com).

Let me elaborate on just one blessing: my faith. I thank God for saving me, that I can call Him Father and He's truly with me. I keep telling people that I don't know how the unsaved cope. Life can be so hard and full of challenges that only by grace do I make it from day to day. I can pray and unburden myself to God. I can ask for and receive His direction. I can read His word and the Holy Spirit will teach me deep and hidden things. I can worship and enjoy God's presence. I can be a source of blessing to others through sharing the gospel, offering advice or material help. I am a true child of Abraham, blessed and a blessing to the world, living just like God promised him:

"... I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing ... and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." - Genesis 12:2-3 

When I consider all these, I no longer feel woebegone. I am filled with praise and I know that the Lord who has brought me this far in life will perfect the things that concern me.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever" - Psalm 138:8.

I invite you to do the same today. "Count your blessings," as the song says, "name them one by one. ... And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

"I will remember the works of the Lord: ... I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." - Psalm 77:11-12

"1. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." - Psalm 103:1-5

"1. O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works." - Psalm 105:1-2

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.
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http://edithohaja.com/choose-enjoy-infinite-goodness-god/

http://edithohaja.com/dealing-with-discouragement-and-sadness-1/

http://edithohaja.com/dealing-with-discouragement-and-sadness-2/