COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

Title: COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5
Supporting Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 1:3, James 1:17, Psalm 40:5, Luke 17:11-19

INTRODUCTION:
Counting our blessings is a spiritual practice that fills us with gratitude, strengthens our faith, and aligns us with God’s will. When we actively reflect on our blessings, we become more aware of God’s goodness and provision in our lives. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by life’s challenges, but a heart of gratitude helps us to focus on God’s faithfulness. This sermon will guide us in counting our blessings, recognizing the many ways God has blessed us, and understanding how gratitude shapes our relationship with Him.

1. THE CALL TO REMEMBER GOD’S GOODNESS

a) Gratitude in Every Season:
God calls us to be thankful in every circumstance, recognising that His grace sustains us through all seasons (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

b) Reflecting on God’s Benefits:
When we “forget not all His benefits,” we become conscious of God’s ongoing blessings in our lives (Psalm 103:2).

c) Recognising God as the Source of All Good:
Every good and perfect gift comes from God, and acknowledging this keeps our hearts humble (James 1:17).

d) Thanksgiving as a Daily Practice:
Counting our blessings should be part of our daily worship and prayer, deepening our appreciation for what God has done (Psalm 92:1-2).

Biblical Example: David continuously praised God for His goodness, recording the countless blessings he experienced in the Psalms (Psalm 40:5).

2. COUNTING OUR SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

a) Redemption and Forgiveness:
God has redeemed us and forgiven our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7).

b) The Gift of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and empowers us, a constant blessing in our lives (John 14:26).

c) Adoption as Children of God:
We are called children of God, with full access to His love, grace, and inheritance (Romans 8:15-17).

d) Eternal Life and Salvation:
God’s gift of eternal life is the ultimate blessing, assuring us of His love beyond this life (John 3:16).

Biblical Example: Paul continually counted the blessing of salvation, even in adversity, expressing gratitude for his transformed life in Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).

3. RECOGNISING GOD’S PROVISION IN OUR DAILY NEEDS

a) Provision of Our Needs:
God meets our physical needs, supplying food, shelter, and resources (Philippians 4:19).

b) Protection and Preservation:
God’s protection surrounds us, shielding us from harm and danger (Psalm 91:11).

c) Health and Strength:
God provides healing and renews our strength, even when we face challenges (Psalm 103:3).

d) Peace in Times of Trouble:
God grants us peace that surpasses understanding, especially in difficult times (Philippians 4:7).

Biblical Example: The Israelites were sustained in the wilderness for 40 years, a testimony of God’s daily provision (Deuteronomy 8:4).

4. COUNTING BLESSINGS IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS

a) Family and Loved Ones:
Our family and friends are blessings that provide support, companionship, and joy (Psalm 127:3-5).

b) Spiritual Community and Fellowship:
The church and fellowship with other believers strengthen our faith and provide spiritual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25).

c) Wise Counsel and Mentorship:
God blesses us with mentors and counselors who guide us in wisdom (Proverbs 15:22).

d) Opportunities to Serve and Bless Others:
God gives us the privilege of being a blessing to others, enriching our lives in return (Acts 20:35).

Biblical Example: Paul often expressed gratitude for his spiritual family, including Timothy and other companions who supported him (Philippians 1:3-5).

5. THE IMPACT OF COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

a) Strengthening Our Faith in God’s Faithfulness:
Reflecting on blessings reminds us of God’s faithfulness, especially in challenging times (Lamentations 3:22-23).

b) Cultivating a Joyful and Positive Spirit:
Gratitude brings joy, helping us focus on God’s goodness rather than life’s struggles (Psalm 28:7).

c) Building a Heart of Contentment:
Recognising God’s blessings fosters contentment, freeing us from envy or comparison (Hebrews 13:5).

d) Thanksgiving Draws Us Closer to God:
Counting our blessings enhances our relationship with God, as we continually recognise His love (Psalm 145:18-19).

Biblical Example: The one leper who returned to thank Jesus received not only healing but wholeness, a powerful example of gratitude’s impact (Luke 17:15-19).

CONCLUSION:
Counting our blessings brings us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and fills our hearts with joy and peace. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we are called to appreciate and thank God for what we have. A heart that counts its blessings lives in contentment and peace, ready to face life’s challenges with a positive spirit. May we make it a habit to reflect on God’s blessings, knowing that He is the giver of every good thing.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, open my eyes to recognise Your blessings in my life.

2. Lord, give me a heart that’s constantly grateful for Your provision and goodness.

3. Father, help me cultivate a daily habit of counting my blessings.

4. Lord, may my heart overflow with thanksgiving in every circumstance.

5. Father, remove any spirit of complaint and replace it with gratitude.

6. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your faithful provision and care.

7. Father, grant me peace and joy as I focus on Your blessings.

8. Lord, help me bless others as a response to Your goodness in my life.

9. Father, thank You for every blessing You have given me, seen and unseen.

10. Lord, I praise You for Your grace, mercy, and endless love.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that I am surrounded by God’s blessings, and I recognise His goodness in my life.

2. As I count my blessings, my faith is strengthened, and my heart is filled with peace.

3. I am blessed beyond measure, and I walk in gratitude and contentment.

4. My heart overflows with joy, for God’s blessings are evident in every area of my life.

5. I declare that I am a testimony of God’s grace and provision.

6. As I give thanks, my blessings multiply, and God’s favour surrounds me.

7. I am grateful, and I lack nothing because God is my provider.

8. My life reflects God’s love and faithfulness, drawing others to His goodness.

9. I live each day in gratitude, recognising God’s hand in every blessing.

10. I walk in the peace of God, as I continually count and celebrate His blessings.

Counting our blessings changes how we view life, fills us with joy, and draws us nearer to God’s heart. May we live each day with thankful hearts, aware of His constant presence and abundant provision.