28 Days of Thanksgiving in the Book of Psalms – Day 27

(This is a challenge between student and teacher. Rules of the challenge are found in the posting entitled: “A Challenge Has Been Presented Using the Book of Psalms.”)

Today’s Verse: “Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.” Psalms 140:13 (NKJV)

I Give Thanks For: God’s Abundant Blessings!

As I sit down to write this blog on the day before our Thanksgiving celebration, I think it only appropriate to give thanks today for God’s abundant blessings. For they truly are abundant! And He is so worthy of all praise for showering me with those blessings!

The student, with whom I am doing this 28 day challenge, and I decided to make this our combined item to give thanks for on this particular day. The student suggested that we sit down with a piece of paper and pencil. Across the top of the paper write these words: God’s Abundant Blessings to Me! Then set a timer for 10 minutes, and in that time write down as many blessings that we can think of that God has given us. The student and I would like to challenge our listeners, our readers, our fellow bloggers to do the same and just see how many blessings we can list. Are you up for that challenge?

Our results: Student listed 102, Teacher listed 127 How about you? How many blessings from God can you name off in just 10 minutes? (If you do this little 10 minute challenge, could you write a comment to me and share how many blessings you listed. My student and I are curious if others will do it and what their results were. It will be fun for other bloggers to read your comments as well.)

Doing this fun little challenge, brought to my mind an old favorite hymn that I have sung oh so many times over the years. Count Your Blessings is the name of the hymn. Are you familiar with it? It’s a great hymn and an amazing reminder of how great our God really is. The hymn reminds us that no matter what our circumstances may be, we can find God’s blessings there. It also tells us that if we name our blessings, one by one, it will surprise us what God has done for us. That is what this challenge has been all about. Praising God for all His abundant blessings!

And should you want to burst forth in song or just have a good read – here’s the words to that precious hymn:

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;
Count your many blessings, see what God 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, ev’ry 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. (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. (Refrain)