COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
While leading worship at a leper colony in Tobago, Jack Hinton asked for song requests. A woman with a disfigured face looked up. Leprosy had devoured most of her nose and lips. She raised a stub of a hand and asked, “Can we sing ‘Count Your Blessings’?” Overcome with emotion, Hinton fled the room and composed himself. Even in her horrible condition, the woman’s heart overflowed with gratitude.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes, “In everything give thanks” (NASB). The NIV translates this “Give thanks in all circumstances.” The Amplified reads, “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks].” The message is clear. Even with leprosy, even in the darkest days of life, count your blessings and praise God with gratitude.
Living in gratitude is not some stick-your-head-in-the-sand, and pretend everything’s okay game. Offering thanksgiving to God sets us free, and fills our hearts with joy. Our external circumstances remain the same, but something changes deep within us. We rise above our situation, and see life from God’s perspective.
Earlier this week, I was driving to my office when this scripture came to mind. The Lord prompted me to immediately give thanks for Linda’s cancer. I was surprised at how easily the words rolled off my lips. I thanked God that we’ve found a great therapy for her, and that our family is so supportive and helpful. I expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love and prayer we’ve received from our friends and church family. I’m grateful that I’m learning to serve her more, and that God is developing in me qualities like faith, patience, peace and humility (although I still have a long way to go!). And, weirdly enough, I’m grateful that I can be grateful.
Honestly it felt good to thank God for the worst situation I’ve ever grappled with. I experienced a level of freedom I’ve rarely known, and was overwhelmed with God’s presence. I began to weep tears of joy.
Years ago my father shared a quote from William Law, a British priest. “If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to happiness and all perfection, he must tell you to… praise God for everything that happens to you. For it is certain that… you turn it into a blessing.” All I can say is, “Amen, try it!”
Principle: Thank God is every circumstance.
Ponder:
What is the most difficult situation you are currently experiencing?
In what ways can thanking God for this situation set you free?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 136.
Prayer: Abba Father, I praise you for the struggles I face. Thank you for even the worst situation I may ever encounter, for I know that you will bring blessings out of it.