All Blessings Come From Above

The hymn "Count Your Blessings," written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1887, is a worship classic and a timeless principle for living. Take notice of the central part of this great hymn:
"Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord 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, every 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 Lord on high."
This hymn serves as a reminder to evaluate our resources and to be mindful of their source. Psalm 103:1-2 declares, "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."
When counting our blessings, attention typically shifts to our possessions and provisions, and rightfully so. However, one of the greatest blessings from God is the loved ones in our lives. Today I am especially thankful for my parents, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their special day is a reminder of James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
From the Scriptures to our daily provisions, everything and everyone we have is a blessing from God.