Count Your Blessings

DAILY VITAMIN

- Count Your Blessings

“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18 CSB)

                At the end of every planting season, the farmer takes stock how well he fared during the time. He takes appraisal to see whether he is at a loss or in profit. Well, for the child of God, that appraisal is nothing else but thanksgiving. Because no matter how we look at it, we are always at gain with God. Things may not have looked good to the eyes,  but it doesn’t mean they aren’t. God in you and with you is proof that it is.

                From the beginning of the year till now, God has been faithful; even when we weren’t, He always remained so. He never denied Himself in our lives. You may not have gotten some of the things you wanted, but God ensured you had all you needed. It might not have seemed enough to you, but it was enough for you, because it’s the promise that there’s more to come.

The scripture calls Him our Shepherd, who makes sure we lack nothing we need. The disciples of Jesus enjoyed this experience. For instance, they went out without food or funds, but returned with the testimony that they lacked nothing at all.  And that’s exactly how God still acts towards us today. By the Holy Spirit, David said though the young lion lack but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). If you understand this, you’ll live daily in thanksgiving. Habakkuk couldn’t see any sign of progress, yet he said he would still rejoice in the Lord who will cause him to walk into his desired place of glory (Hab 3:17-19). He could count his blessings before they even surfaced because he was confident of God’s love and faithfulness towards all who trust in Him.

And so, it all begins with understanding. Paul said to the church in Macedonia “Rejoice in the Lord always…Let your graciousness be known…..Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:4-7 CSB). Hence, understand today that God has blessed you, and all He has done this year is just the tip of the iceberg. And how do I know that? He said ‘your path will shine brighter every day’ (Pro 4:18). Thus, regardless of appearance, don’t murmur; instead count your blessings, and name them one by one, for indeed you are blessed and a blessing. Happy New Year in advance!

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for all you have done for me during the course of this year. Thank you for the experiences that made me better, the opportunities that moved me higher, and the grace that keeps me stronger. I thank you for the revelation of Christ in my heart and for the fellowship of your Holy Spirit which has brought me to the fullness of stature in accordance to your will. Thank you also because the next year shall be greater, all to your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen