Count Your Blessings

Music is a blessing to me.  It soothes my soul, stirs my heart and lifts my spirit into an attitude of gratitude.  The Lord has answered prayers time-and-time again during my lifetime regardless of the situation.  This past year, with the pandemic, we've all had to adjust our lives in ways we never imaged.  Whether it be a simple face-to-face greeting, handshake, hug, etc., it was deemed risky because of the dreadful and deadly virus.  COVID-19 stripped us of freedoms that we simply took for granted on a daily basis, yet, were you able to find joy in the midst of discouraging and uncertain times?   How did you find encouragement?   How did you find joy?   How did you find peace in the midst of the past year?   I hope that you found the peace that surpasses all understanding.   True peace is knowing that God is in control - ultimate control.  Regardless of our circumstances and how dismal things may look from our perspective, the thing is, we win.  When we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we are trusting him to guide us, to comfort us, and to be our strength, especially, when we are weary, we can have that blessed assurance and peace when we fix our eyes on him.  Counting your blessings one-by-one, just as the hymn testifies through its author, turns our doubt into singing and praise.  Reflecting upon God's goodness, grace and mercy, and praising him is the antidote to encouraging our perspective.  When was the last time you thanked God for the ability to rise on your own?   When was the last time you thanked God for the ability to complete simple tasks?   For the roof over your head?   For the clothing you have?    We are so very, very blessed when we are in communion with the Lord, through the reading of scripture, singing of songs, and in heartfelt, genuine thankful prayers of thanksgiving.  Seek the Lord, while he can be found.   Thank him for all the blessings he has bestowed upon you.   As you seek him, and praise him, you will realize your spirit is lifted into an attitude of gratitude as you recognize all the blessings in your life and his watch-care over you.
Philippians Chapter 4:4-12 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.  The scripture further reminds us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!  Focusing on and praising the Lord, will bring comfort, peace and joy - blessed assurance that he is in control!
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirt within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.  Psalm 51: 10, 12.
I encourage you to count your blessings one-by-one and see what the Lord hath done!

In Christ's love,
Delilah Nichols
Co-Chair Women's Ministry