Deuteronomy 8:8-18 – A “Count Your Blessings” Day

Don’t think to yourself: My own strength and abilities have produced all this prosperity for me. Remember the Lord your God! He is the One who gives you the strength to be prosperous (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, CEB)

When I was growing up and my mother found me sad, she would encourage me to count my blessings. Sometimes she’d sing a song you might remember: When you are discouraged… count your many blessings, name them one by one… see what God has done.

As an adult, I’ve heard people express happiness, but it seems more and more rare to hear them give God thanks for blessings. Sometimes people take credit for all good things by bragging of determination, skill, or perseverance. Sometimes they say they are “lucky.” Or, worst of all, sometimes individuals proudly think they deserve nothing less than good.

The Bible reminds us all good things, conditions, situations… actually our very breath, come as a gift of God’s unconditional love. We are wise to remember to give thanks to God, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but all the time – for the many blessings we can count.

Dear God, help me to demonstrate in genuine humility, a thankful heart to You. Keep me from pride, always knowing You are my provider and sustainer in all things. Amen.

– Pastor Karla Shafer, Bethel United Methodist Church