“Count Your Many Blessings, See What God Has Done”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“When I'm worried and I can't sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep counting my blessings.” - “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" by Irving Berlin
The song, “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep),” was written by Irving Berlin, and was used in the 1954 film ‘White Christmas.’ “The song arose from a personal experience of Berlin when his doctor suggested he try ‘counting his blessings’ as a way to deal with insomnia brought on by stress. (Wikipedia.com)
Although this song is usually played during the Christmas season, I recall myself singing it as early as October in 2020. I then started literally counting my blessings in my head and realized that I could sing it the whole day and the list would still go on and on. I have found that in addition to curing insomnia, counting my blessings also helped me to focus on God who is the source of all blessings. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, that instead of being worried, we can pray and petition God, with thanksgiving to help us. When we do this we are given the gift of peace that only God can give.
So we pray and count our blessings and give thanks to God who is the source of all good gifts. As Baptist Christians may we be reminded that we stand among our brothers and sisters in faith as those who persisted and advocated for religious freedom and soul liberty during the founding days of our nation. I count that one of our blessings is to be a citizen a country where everyone has the freedom to worship God and live according to one’s faith and conscience. May we fervently pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us to vote according to our conscience and remember that God is still in control whoever wins. As Jesus’ church and disciples, we are blessed to be peacemakers and share the good news of God’s reconciling love.
Going through a divisive and turbulent election campaign season, it is easy to lose sight of the blessings that God gives us every day. Many if not all Americans (and even nations around the world) are worried about what will happen after November 5. As Christians and disciples of Jesus, it is important for us to take a step back and remember who we are and whose we are: sinners saved by grace and reconciled to God through faith in Jesus. We are first and foremost, citizens of God’s kingdom and any earthly kingdom is temporary and transient. We are also called to be a people who bear witness to God’s reign of love, forgiveness, mercy, justice and peace. Jesus prayed for us in John 17 for his heavenly Father not to take us out of the world but to protect us, so we can continue his mission of proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world, until Jesus returns to ultimately establish the full reign of God.
Before and after election day, as followers of Jesus we must continue to be salt and light of the earth. We will count our blessings even as we pray to God for more faith to live as a pilgrim people longing for God’s kingdom to “come on earth as it is in heaven.” In doing so let us also pray for God’s continued provision and protection. May we respond to God’s goodness by being faithful stewards of God’s mission through our church family and our missions’ partners. May we be encouraged by the words of the chorus of a well-known and beloved hymn written by Johnson Oatman, Jr of Lumberton, New Jersey in 1897, “Count Your Blessings”:
“Count your blessings name them one by one, Count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.”
A year before this hymn was written, Central Baptist Church of Woodbury, was newly founded and began its ministry that has spanned 128 years. As a church family we’ve been blessed but certainly we know what “when upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,” feels like, especially during these challenging times. But God is good and continues to provide and bless us. As the last Sunday of the old church year ends on November 24, and a new church year begins on December 1 (First Sunday of Advent), let us then unite in the love of Christ to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and keep counting our blessings, to keep the faith and live to be blessings to others.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Carla
For your Prayer and Support
Our Church Council has approved in its October meeting to convene a Future Ministry Planning Task Force in November 2024. The Task Force will work in consultation with Pastor Carla and the Church Council, to engage our congregation in discerning God’s direction for Central Baptist Church in the next 3-5 years. More information will be shared by mid-November.
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