Counting My Blessings
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When we go through a difficult time (of which I've had quite a few in recent years), it's easy to become discouraged - even despairing. The trials feel heavy, and we may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The hard time, the suffering, the weights of what we're experiencing can be utterly overwhelming.
One important lesson I've learned is that I can choose victory - even while I'm crying out to the Lord for it. I may not feel it. The situation may not have changed. The weights are still there. But I can declare victory in Jesus name. When I do that, something is released in me that gives me extra grace to walk through the trial. And the Lord's strength and help begins to flow. He has been so faithful to help me, to bring victory to me time and time again in the hard times. I couldn't have made it otherwise.
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
I am so grateful for how the Lord has been with me through each trial, each difficult thing. I truly don't know how people make it without the Lord. I'm glad I don't have to try that. He is right by my side each day.
I had one day in particular that was difficult this week. Thankfully it wasn't to do with my physical health!! It had to do with something I was trying to get done that was challenging. In the midst of it as I was asking the Lord to help me, He reminded me of two things.
The first was to "count my blessings." When I took a few minutes to do that, it was amazing how my whole outlook shifted from the problem to all the good things in my day, in my life. It brought perspective! From big things to little things, I saw all the wonderful blessings in my life!!
The second thing was a reminder that "laughter is the best medicine." Smiling, laughing brings joy and helps lift the burdens we are carrying. I recently came across a video that makes me laugh every time I watch it. In the video a little baby girl interacts with her father in tearing up their electricity bill - while she giggles continually. I don't think anyone can watch it without at least smiling, and probably laughing. I love it! Something so simple - but so full of joy. I share the link below.
So, needless to say, after counting my blessings and laughing.....the burden of what I was dealing with was much lighter! I still had to plow my way through it, but it wasn't as overwhelming. I love how God reminded me of these truths.
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 13:5,6
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." Psalm 18:29
"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me." Psalm 103:2 NLT
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8
I LOVE that last verse. It covers it all. When we think on those things, it puts anything else into the right perspective. I have so very much to be thankful for!!!
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