Count Your Blessings, Not Your Problems
Count Your Blessings, Not Your Problems | March 10, 2026
According to Mayo Clinic Health System experts, “people often focus on problems due to a natural tendency to ruminate on negative aspects of life, a 'scarcity mindset' that craves more, and a failure to recognize everyday blessings. Training the brain to focus on positive, small, daily moments can rewire this response, building resilience, reducing stress, and improving overall health.” (Mindfulness training, cognitive performance and stress reduction, 2023, pp. 1-15)
Perhaps you can relate. No matter the size or timing of our problems, we tend to focus far more on them than on our blessings. As a result, our entire perspective, even on matters unrelated to the original issue, is adversely affected. (Tough et al., 2025)
To circumvent this clear and present struggle, flip the script and count your blessings instead of your problems. Make a list of the provisions, people, and paths that God blessed you with both in the past and the present. Taking inventory like this is a cognitively healthy step, and it aligns with Scripture. Now you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving season or tragedy. Start today—set aside a few minutes, write out your blessings, and make this a daily habit to shift your mindset and enhance your wellbeing.
Psalm 103:1-5 tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
As I count my blessings this morning, I am especially thankful for our son Benjamin, who turns 12 today! We are thankful for Ben’s life and the young man he is, and we look forward to the plans God has for him!
Like most parents, grandparents, and family members, I wish I could freeze time because it feels like the boys are growing up so quickly. However, we remain hopeful in God’s goodness and are grateful for our blessings.
Perhaps you can relate. No matter the size or timing of our problems, we tend to focus far more on them than on our blessings. As a result, our entire perspective, even on matters unrelated to the original issue, is adversely affected. (Tough et al., 2025)
To circumvent this clear and present struggle, flip the script and count your blessings instead of your problems. Make a list of the provisions, people, and paths that God blessed you with both in the past and the present. Taking inventory like this is a cognitively healthy step, and it aligns with Scripture. Now you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving season or tragedy. Start today—set aside a few minutes, write out your blessings, and make this a daily habit to shift your mindset and enhance your wellbeing.
Psalm 103:1-5 tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
As I count my blessings this morning, I am especially thankful for our son Benjamin, who turns 12 today! We are thankful for Ben’s life and the young man he is, and we look forward to the plans God has for him!
Like most parents, grandparents, and family members, I wish I could freeze time because it feels like the boys are growing up so quickly. However, we remain hopeful in God’s goodness and are grateful for our blessings.
Citations:
1 Green, M., & Malhi, G. S. (2006). Neural mechanisms of the cognitive control of emotion. Acta Neuropsychiatrica. Neural mechanisms of the cognitive control of emotion | Acta Neuropsychiatrica | Cambridge Core
2 Tough, J., Grafton, B., MacLeod, C. & Bockstaele, B. V. (2025). The Contribution of Negative Expectancies to Emotional Resilience. Behavioral Sciences 15(4). The Contribution of Negative Expectancies to Emotional Resilience
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