Count Your Blessings

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: September 3, 2024

Scripture: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." — Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)

Devotional Thoughts

In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the things we lack, the prayers that seem unanswered, and the dreams that remain unfulfilled. We often find ourselves fixated on what God hasn’t done, overlooking the multitude of blessings He has already bestowed upon us. It’s a common human tendency to focus on the negative, allowing the unmet desires to overshadow the good in our lives.

However, the psalmist David reminds us in Psalm 103 to "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." This is a powerful call to shift our focus from what we don’t have to what we do. David understood that gratitude is a choice, a deliberate act of remembering and acknowledging the goodness of God. He lists the benefits—God forgives all our sins, heals all our diseases, redeems our lives from destruction, crowns us with lovingkindness, and satisfies us with good things (Psalm 103:3-5). These verses are a powerful reminder that even when some prayers seem unanswered, there are countless reasons to be thankful.

Consider the gift of life itself, something we often take for granted. Each breath we take, every beat of our heart, is a gift from God. The very fact that we are alive is a testament to His grace and mercy. How many times have we overlooked this simple, yet profound blessing? We are quick to complain about the things that are missing, but how often do we pause to thank God for the air in our lungs, the food on our table, and the shelter over our heads?

One of the most profound examples of counting blessings in the Bible is the story of Job. After losing his children, his wealth, and his health, Job still found the strength to worship God. In the midst of his suffering, Job declared, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Even when everything was stripped away, Job chose to remember the blessings he had received and acknowledged God’s sovereignty over his life. Job's story is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not determine God's goodness.

Practical Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your life. What blessings have you overlooked? Perhaps it's the job that sustains you, the family that loves you, or the friends who support you. Maybe it’s the small things—the sunrise you witness each morning, the laughter of a child, or the comfort of a warm home. These are all blessings, gifts from God that we often take for granted.

Make it a habit to write down at least three things you are grateful for each day. Over time, you will begin to see how truly blessed you are. When you feel discouraged by what you don’t have, revisit your list and let it remind you of God’s faithfulness.

Closing Thought

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to discontentment. When we count our blessings, we shift our focus from our lack to God’s abundance. We begin to see our lives through the lens of His goodness and grace. Like David, let us make it a habit to bless the Lord and not forget all His benefits. Remember, even in the midst of trials, God’s blessings are ever-present.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the countless blessings You have poured into my life. Forgive me for the times I have focused on what I lack rather than on what You have given me. Help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude, always mindful of Your goodness and grace. Teach me to see the blessings in every situation, and to remember that the gift of life itself is a profound blessing from You. May I, like Job, bless Your name even in difficult times, trusting in Your perfect plan for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.