Get rich quick: Count your blessings

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.           Lamentations 3:22-23

A sign in front of a church reads, “Get rich quick: Count your blessings!” Interested in hitting the jackpot? Sit down and ponder the goodness of God and what He has already bestowed on you.

When I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, I visited a special needs orphanage. In this home were 90 children cared for by compassionate, caring staff members. I heard the plea from the director who shared with me the challenges of feeding and clothing the youngsters amidst a shrinking budget. It made me feel ashamed of what I take for granted and what I spend on things that don’t really make a difference.

Take a few moments to count God’s blessings in your life. For a few moments block out the heartaches and focus on family, friends and valued relationships.

When you take inventory of what God has given to you, you will discover riches you had no idea are within your grasp. Most of us today fail to recognize the blessings that come from the hand of God. We are much like those of whom the psalmist wrote, “They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt” (Psalm 106:21).

Our parents, or perhaps your grandparents, used to sing a Gospel song written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. The chorus goes, “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God has done.” Focusing on what God has done for you – rather than what you want from Him – is medicine for the soul. It will do more to lift you from your doldrums than winning the lottery, because the blessings of the Almighty remain when everything else fades.

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Everyday I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 145:1-7