Count Your Blessings

"The greater God's gifts and works, the less they are regarded." - Martin Luther

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thess 5:18 (ESV)

"It is impossible to be thankful, and at the same time, grumpy, cantankerous, critical or ill-tempered.  That's a lesson Johnson Oatman wanted to teach young people in his song 'Count Your Blessings.' ... It reflected Johnson's optimistic faith, and has been a lesson to many ever since."

- from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan


Count Your Blessings
Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Pub. 1897

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. [*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 keep 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—wealth can never buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home 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. *Alternate text.