We are continuing to explore ways, old and new, to refresh
our souls during the 50 days of the Easter season. So far we’ve looked at
immersing yourself in the greatest Story ever told and taking time to have some
fun.
Sometimes when you are worn out and everything feels dull,
dry, and hopeless; it helps to consider all the blessings we actually have. The
Bible has many reminders that this is a good thing. Psalm 103:2 says we should
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” In the
Letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages us to give "thanks always and for everything to God the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20). Later we are encouraged
to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Even popular culture tells us to "count your blessings, instead of counting sheep". (White Christmas, 1954)
Many writers suggest that we start ‘gratitude journals’
where on a regular basis we write down things we are thankful for. You can even
find online lists of prompts for these journals, such as what food, or sound,
or memory, or book are you grateful for today? These can be helpful if you are
stumped about what to be thankful for. However, they rarely ask you to really
consider the gifts, and beauty, and love that God surrounds us with daily. That
is truly something to be grateful for.
As we become more and more aware of the wonderful things
around us, we might just be less aware
of the frustrations and troubles in our lives… Psalm
105:1 tells us to “give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” That seems to imply that
we are not just supposed to list our blessings, but that we are supposed to
share them with one another.
What if, instead of just writing down things we are grateful
for, we shared one thing each day that
we thank God for. Maybe you can call or text or email a friend with your
positive thought in order to share it. Perhaps you want to post it to Facebook
for the whole world to see. Maybe you want to act on your gratitude by writing
a note to a family member or co-worker, or pick up a box of donuts to share.
Use your imagination and be creative in ways to share your blessings.
There is an old hymn, with a
really catchy tune, that might make you decide that counting, and re-counting,
your blessings is a good thing. The chorus says “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.” You can hear the song, or just read the words below
Count Your Blessings
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.
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 many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
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 Lord on high.
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.
We'll continue to consider ways to be refreshed for the next couple of weeks. What are some ways you are refreshed, renewed, restored in your relationship with God?
