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Wow, it’s just a day remaining, and I’ll be hearing people shouting “Happy New Year!” It’s amazing.
I just feel obliged to say this because I realize that occasionally we can lose sight of who we are simply because certain things have occurred.
It's possible that things didn't turn out the way we had hoped. The occasional bouts of illness, the passing of loved ones, the stagnation of our businesses, the battle with addictions, the lack of a job or other source of income, the end of a relationship or divorce, the struggle with fear and insecurities, and many other things.
These occurrences often cause us to reflect on the last year and think, "I'm so full of crap." While others are rejoicing as the year comes to an end, we grumble and keep our heads down.
Hey, listen; hold your head high. I recognize how badly you messed up. Honestly, I did too. Just realize that you should be thankful for everything.
You’re alive, and that’s all that matters. You still have a shot at your dreams. Just give thanks. Count your blessings and name them one by one.
I’ll leave you with the serene words from one of my favorite hymnals, “When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed.”
The first stanza says:
“When upon life’s billows you’re 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 has done.”
Are you staring at dead ends? Count your blessings and name them one by one.
Let’s see the second stanza
“Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you’re called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you’ll be singing as the days go by.”
I know you've been through so much and carried so many burdens. It’s never easy, but still, count your blessings.
Let’s see stanza three:
“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.”
Sometimes you can be so carried away by the things people are doing. You feel they are ahead of you, but you forget that you are rich in areas they are not.
Don’t worry. Count your blessings and give yourself the momentum to push ahead.
And finally, stanza four:
“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.”
In sickness, pain, weariness, in turmoil, always remember that God is overall. What can separate us from the love of God? Nothing!.
So, 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 has done.
You’re not a failure, and you’re not a loser. Some things didn’t go as planned as you wanted them to, but all the same, that’s okay.
All I want is for you to just give thanks!
