EVERYDAY BLESSINGS!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where it seems like everything hits you at once? Maybe a certain bill comes in, the car needs a tune-up, the mower is not working and then to top it all off, it's the time of month where you just have to hold on until payday. I think we've all had those times where everything happens at once and sometimes when our lives are filled with stuff that has problems, it blinds us to those wonderful, everyday blessings that we do have.

The book of Proverbs says that, "a faithful man shall abound with blessings" (Prov. 28:20).

Missionary Benjamin Weir was held hostage in Lebanon where he was imprisoned under miserable conditions for sixteen months. After his release, during his first interview, he was asked how he spent his time and how he dealt with the boredom and despair. His answer stunned a lot of people. He simply said, "Counting my blessings." "Blessings?" they responded. "Yes," he explained. "Some days I got to take a shower. Sometimes there were some vegetables in my food. And I could always be thankful for the love of my family."

I think even we can understand why the reporters were amazed. It's hard for most of us to be consistently thankful for the commonplace blessings that make life pleasant and comfortable. You know, the supply of our daily needs, the provision of food and shelter, the companionship of friends and families. There are times when we may even forget the wonderful mercies of God's redeeming grace.

In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas were thrown into prision and placed in stocks. Although they were beaten, they were still "singing hymns unto God." I hope we can learn from them, and from Benjamin Weir, to count our blessings no matter what our circumstances and no matter how things may seem at a particular time. We have many reasons to rejoice, Amen?

Don't ever forget the great song, Count Your Blessings:
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.

Enjoy your daily blessings today!
-Gregg