There is an old song that tells us to count our blessings. It says we are to count them one by one to see what God has done. Have you ever tried to count your blessings? I challenge you to try; however, I can assure you that if you do, you will be writing for a long time. Just when you think you have named them all, you will think of another. Many times, when children pray, we get a smile on our face or give a sigh, as if they will never finish. That’s because they want to name everything one by one! They thank God for the birds, the trees, the flowers, and the list goes on and on. I submit to you that they have the right idea.
While we would never go through creation and thank God for each item, we should also not take it for granted. The Bible teaches us in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift is from God.
James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
The greatest thing I would put at number one on my list is my salvation. I know that on my own, I can do nothing to merit eternal life. It is only by the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for my sins that allows my sin debt to be paid, and God to redeem me back unto himself. God’s holiness would not allow me to enter Heaven, but His love made a way. By giving me eternal life, I also became His child. I am thankful I can call Him Father.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Galatians 3:26 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
I am thankful for my family. God has blessed me with a biological family that loves him and puts Him first in their lives. A husband who spends hours studying God’s word, because He loves God, and because He wants to impart truth when He teaches. I am thankful for the spiritual family He has given me. I have brothers and sisters in Christ who are ready to bear my burdens. Around the world, I have a network of people I consider family. Jonathan and David had this kind of brotherly love. Though they were not blood relations at all, they were willing to die for each other. We are to have this kind of love for one another, and we are to let it continue. I am thankful I have people like this in my life.
Hebrews 13:1 “Let brotherly love continue.”
I am thankful God has always provided. He promised us He would meet our needs, and He has never failed us. He not only has provided everything we need, but has gone way above and beyond. He will meet your needs also if you are His! He wants to bestow “good gifts” on His children. He will give us all we can handle. We are to depend on Him and trust Him. He will go above and beyond what we ask.
Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto him, that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
I am thankful for a church with a pastor who preaches the whole counsel of God. A church that stands for truth, no matter what society says is right or wrong. It is by the preaching of His word that men, women, boys, and girls, lives are changed forever.
I Corinthians 1:21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
I have only listed a few of the things I am thankful for, but like the child, I too am grateful for all creation. God’s wonderful creation is a testimony to God Himself. This page would not hold everything, nor does time allow me to name each one, but I am truly thankful today for ALL God has placed in my life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. God will use everything in my life to change me into the image of His dear Son. For that, I am and will be eternally grateful! Try to count your blessings. I don’t believe you’ll get very far before you burst out in praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to God the Father who made us His child, and to the Holy Spirit that dwells within.
Excellent