Count Your Blessings

I have been overwhelmed with my prayer list lately. Why are so many of my friends struggling with illness or relational problems or economic/job issues? Why are so many strong Christian women I know (including me) using the same word to describe themselves--weary? Who can deny that we are being attacked by the things not of this world? Who can deny that God wants us to cling to Him and grow stronger, putting on the full armor of God, so that we can help each other fight?

One thing that God has helped me work through is not letting these kinds of things effect me and those around me too much. I used to take on someone else's burden and literally feel as bound by it as they did. Thank God not anymore! I still feel for that person, but not a consuming kind of compassion like in the past, and that probably makes me an even better prayer warrior.

My family is in a good place right now. There are things we are still working on, of course, but we are good--even better than good. But, one thing I have made sure of during this good season is to not forget about God first and foremost, and to constantly remind my children and try to be a good example of it to my husband.

God is strengthening us right now. Or at least me--I guess I shouldn't speak for my husband or children. Of course there is a little part of me wondering if there is a particular reason for this strengthening--is God going to allow some kind of blow to come my way and try to knock me down? Or is God finally giving me the good "normal" life I've always prayed for and starting with me the next generations are just going to get better and better?

God really put on my heart today this little song and maybe it will give whoever reads this some encouragement also:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God 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 keep 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—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.