A Hymn for Noticing

My ladies' Sunday School leader asks us every week if we've received any "love notes" from God. That's just another way of asking if we've noticed the blessings He's purposefully put in our path because He loves us as individuals. 

I'm thankful she does this because without this reminder, I find it way too easy for me to miss these blessings. I get too self-absorbed (if I'm honest) or wrapped up in my day-to-day life that I forget to notice!

The hymn-writer puts his reminder another way. He says, "count your blessings — name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"

Consider today's "hymn for that" a sneak preview of our Hymn of the Month for November where will be focusing on counting, that is, intentionally noticing, those blessings God gives us every day.

Count Your Blessings

by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

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.

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.

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.