How often do we take the time to think about the blessings we have in life? Not just a few, several, or even many blessings, nor as some vague reference whispered in an occasional prayer. But every single blessing we have ever received.

John, speaking of Jesus, once wrote, From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.¹ Think about that. We have all received, every one of us. And not just a single blessing, but one after another.

Sometimes it can be difficult to believe this. We live in a world that daily seeks to pull us away from cherishing the blessings we have to focusing on the things we don’t, replacing humble thankfulness with a selfish desire that is never satisfied.

Blessings draw our attention to God…

My favorite hymn is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.² The song reminds me that every blessing comes from God, through His grace and mercy and not from my own effort. And it calls me to take a stand in the assurance of His love.³

It also speaks of my weakness. I could not help myself. It took Jesus to rescue me, even while I was a stranger wandering away from God. He gave up His own life so that I could live. Doesn’t sound like the way of the world, does it?

Then the hymn ends in the most honest, yet powerful words any of us could ever speak. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.

…helping us bear His light in darkness.

That hymn never ceases to change my focus from myself to Jesus. And as I recall all the blessings He has given me, my attitude changes. I become grateful, thankful, and humble. And regardless of hardships I may find in life, I know…God’s got this.

On August 6, 2021, while working on a Note about the silence of the Church, I was getting pretty down about it all. Then a message popped up on my computer. “Celtic Worship has just released its newest music video. Check it out!” I did and everything changed.

Begin each day remembering the blessings God has given you. Write them down. Thank Him for the incredible love He has for you. Then march out into the world and take your stand.

By the way, that video was entitled…Come Thou Fount.⁴ Another blessing. Enjoy!

Ciloa Forever!

 

Chuck

 

 

 
Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also an author and speaker. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.
 
 

 

Footnotes: (1) Read John 1:16. (2) Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing was written in 1758 by the English minister Robert Robinson. (3) The verse Here I raise my Ebenezer refers to a stone marking the location of a battle between the Israelites and Philistines mentioned in 1 Samuel 7:12. Samuel named the stone Eben-Ezer, which means “stone of help”. (4) Come Thou Fount, from the soon to be released album MORNINGTIDE, Celtic Worship, 2021.
 
Pictures: Banner: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, GodTube.com. (1) John 1:16, Sp Adobe Spark. (2) Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King, Gateway Worship. (3) Come Thou Fount by Celtic Worship, 2021.