Friday Night Hymn – Count Your Blessings
We sang “Count Your Blessings”, words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. & music by Edwin O. Excel, at our last Friday family night. While the concept may seem simple, this is very good advice. The Bible teaches, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7). Thanksgiving is a way of counting our blessings. Of course, we need to look at the situation for what it is, but by focusing on the good, we don’t let the bad drag us down nor control us.
Mr. Excell, Who wrote the music for the song, seem to of had a positive attitude that fits with the music he wrote for it:
“Mr. Excell will be remembered as the great song leader. Probably no man who ever lived, and certainly in this country, was more capable than he in directing great audiences in singing. He was large of body and happy in his disposition. He was never known to lose his temper or his smile in his endeavor to make the people sing.”
— Herbert H. Smith, (ed.), Organized Sunday School Work in North America, 1918–1922
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._O._Excell
Count Your Blessings
Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr. & music by Edwin O. Excell
1. 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.
Chorus:
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.
2. 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.
Chorus
3. 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.
Chorus
4. 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.
Chorus