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Count Your Blessings

by Charles R. Swindoll

Read Psalm 95

Sometimes when you don’t feel like praying, or you’re consumed with needing to speak to the Lord but can’t gather the words, try that old standby—count your many blessings, count them one by one.

It’s amazing how you can get carried away from worries and woes and self concern when you start naming out loud what you’re thankful for. Right away your focus shifts from your needs to the Father’s graciousness and love. Try this:

LOOK UP . . . thank You, Lord . . .
            for Your sovereign control over our circumstances
            for Your holy character in spite of our sinfulness
            for Your Word that gives us direction
            for Your grace that removes our guilt

LOOK AROUND . . . thank You, Lord . . .
            for our wonderful country
            for close family ties
            for an opportunity to help others
            for a place to live, clothes to wear, food to eat

LOOK WITHIN . . . thank You, Lord . . .
            for eyes that see the beauty of Your creation
            for minds that are curious, creative, and competent
            for memories of pleasures and recent accomplishments
            for broken dreams and lingering afflictions that humble us
            for a sense of humor that brings healing and hope

He is worthy of our highest praise and gratitude. To Him goes all the glory.

If you can’t pray, make a personalized list of blessings.

Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Day by Day with Charles Swindoll (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2000) 328. Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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About the Author // Charles R. Swindoll

Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. Since 1998, he has served as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation for ministry.

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