Experience the uplifting and restorative spirit of “Count Your Blessings” in this bright instrumental arrangement. This rendition is crafted to provide a worshipful atmosphere for reflection, centering on the biblical mandate to recognize God’s hand in every season of life—especially when “tempest-tossed.”
The Scriptural Foundation
This iconic hymn is a melodic reflection of the promise found in Proverbs 10:6:
“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.”
The lyrics serve as a spiritual remedy for discouragement, reminding the believer that while the world may offer “lands and gold,” the true wealth of a Christian is found in the “reward in Heaven” and the daily mercies provided by the Lord.
The Story Behind the Hymn
Written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr., “Count Your Blessings” is often cited as one of the best “sunshine” hymns ever written. Oatman, a businessman who understood the “load of care” that daily life can bring, wrote these words to help people shift their perspective from their problems to their Provider.
Set to a cheerful tune by Edwin O. Excell, the hymn became an instant success in the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly during revival meetings. It remains a definitive anthem for mental and spiritual resilience, teaching us that naming our blessings “one by one” is the fastest way to make “every doubt fly.”
Hymn Lyrics (Part I)
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.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord 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, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
Hymn Lyrics (Part II)
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.
4
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Ways to Use This Instrumental
Morning Gratitude Journaling: Play this while listing three things you are thankful for today.
Anxiety Relief: Focus on Verse 2 (“every doubt will fly”) when you feel burdened by a “load of care.”
Overcoming Comparison: Use Verse 3 to refocus your heart on spiritual wealth when you feel envious of others.
Deepen Your Connection
If this melody brightened your spirit, explore our collection of traditional hymns and scriptural deep-dives designed to foster a heart of praise and unshakeable joy.
🎵 Listen to the Full Playlist:
#CountYourBlessings #JohnsonOatman #ChristianInstrumental #HymnsOfFaith #Proverbs10 #WorshipMusic #GratitudeMeditation #NameThemOneByOne #HymnHistory
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