God is good! Everyday, Jesus blesses us with things that we even hardly notice. The air that we breath, the sunshine, the nice ride you had this morning. We need to thank God daily for that. We need to count our blessings everyday.
Rev. Hong Yang, the Special Assignment Representative and Director of Global Chinese Ministries with the Church of God World Missions Department shares his experience on having a grateful heart: “This attitude of genuine gratitude has brought me more altitude of life and greater fortitude in ministries to others!”
Being grateful increases our level of relationship to God and with others. It is something that God desires for everyone who He blesses. That is why the Bible encourages us to “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
Here are five ways to help you count your blessings that I contributed to a scroll designed by one of our talented graphics artists that were used as a donor premium in The 700 Club Asia live TV special:
1. RECOGNIZE IT’S FROM GOD
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. — James 1:17 (NIV)
Its true! All, as in all our blessings come the from God. The devil will surely not give something good even if it looks and feels good. That is against his nature. God’s nature is to give you good things. Yes, he does allow bad things to happen to us but it is always for a purpose.
2. RECEIVE WITH GLADNESS
You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound. — Psalm 4:7 (NASB)
When God gives us a blessing it is but natural for us to be glad and joyful. Some would even jump for joy. It is the most natural reaction that we can do. No good thing will give you grief. A blessing given freely and received freely will always be a good thing.
3. RESPOND WITH JOY
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. — Psalm 34:1-2 (ESV)
Once you receive your blessings with gladness, our response should be equally the same: with joy and gladness. We cannot respond in any other way. Doing so will show our gratitude to God who loves. This is the most important part of counting your blessings.
4. REMEMBER IT ALWAYS
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. — Psalm 77:11 (ESV)
We should then fully commit to memory the blessings of the Lord. It is a memorial that we can look back to whenever we feel that our life is not doing very well. It will give us comfort and peace knowing that God will and can answer our prayers.
5. REFLECT ON HIS GOODNESS
Reflect means taking stock of a thought and think or ponder on that thought. It is like chewing when we are eating. ITs not swallowing immediately after the food enters your mouth. When we chew the food, we relish the taste and make it easier for digestion. So it is with God’s blessings. When we reflect on God’s blessings, we will see the purpose and meaning of these blessings. That these are not random acts that God does but they are intentional and purposeful works of the Lord.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 (NASB)
LEGEND: NIV: New International Version, NASB: New American Standard Bible, ESV: English Standard Version
