Psalms 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name. KJV
The popular hymn titled "Count Your Blessings" was written by, a Methodist lay preacher named Johnson Oatman. He was a succesful business man. He worked as an administrator in an insurance company. He wrote more than 5,000 hymn text. On a day like this, it is good to reflect on the lines of the hymn he wrote. Many people may look at the year and shake their heads in regret because of certain unpleasant occurrences, unmet targets and unfulfilled dreams. The lines of Mr Oatman's hymn did not teach us to deny our challenges but despite those challenges, if we take time to count our blessings, we'll see that what God has done far outweighs the things that are yet undone. The enemy robs us of so many blessings because we fix our gaze on the things yet undone.
Today is not a day to count losses because in God, we don't lose. Even if you've had a rough year, just know that it is for a purpose. The book of Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". Look beyond what you didn't achieve in the last 364 days and give God quality praise today. Being alive is worth dancing and shouting for. The bible says in Eccl 9:4, "For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion". As long as there's life in you, you have hope. If you're reading this devotional on the hospital bed or prison, burst forth into thanksgiving. Your deliverance is tied to thanksgiving.
If you take your pen to write the things God has done for you, you will see that God is faithful. There are unseen battles God fights for us. If only God can open our eyes to see them, you'll acknowledge the awesomeness of God. Don't end the year with complaints and a long face. With an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, your testimony can still land at your doorstep before the turn of the new year. Create an atmosphere of thanksgiving around you today and don't allow the enemy rob you of last minute miracle. Count your blessings!
Create around you the atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving. Don't murmur.