This popular Christian hymn, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday, was written in 1897 by Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr., one of the most important gospel songwriters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He wrote over 5,000 hymn texts and his favorites included “Higher Ground, and “No, Not One!”. The tune of “Count Your Blessings” was composed by Edwin Othello Excell.
The hymn encourages us to stop and give thanks and praise for all God has done in our lives. We need to go to God with our troubles and should not be discouraged because “God is control of every situation.” Pray to God today to make this sweet song become a beam of sunlight to brighten up any dark places in your life and inspire you to shine the light of Christ more brightly wherever you go.
Lyrics
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
To count our blessings is to appreciate that we have “every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Give genuine thanks and praise to God before the listening ears of the “Father of compassion” and “God of all comfort,” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
For more awesome Christian Music check our Hymns Collection. You will find the background stories behind the hymns very interesting and informative. Sing along with the lyrics understanding the meaning of each song and fill your heart with joy.
