How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. … Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24
A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken. – Proverbs 15:13 NASB20
Recently I was chatting with a gal who lives in Nigeria. She was in a depressed state of mind, and began to list some of the current troubles facing her. Then she stopped for several moments as a remarkable transformation began to take place. “As I was listing my complaints, the Lord spoke words of a song into my heart,” she said. (The song was written over a hundred years ago by a man named Johnson Oatman):
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God hath done.
“I am now at peace,” she stated emphatically. “God will make a way.”
The young woman no longer felt depressed or anxious. She was absolutely convinced that God was going to help her.
“That’s Jesus.” I answered.
“Yes, He’s the One,” she agreed.
This entire exchange lasted only a few minutes. I didn’t have to do much of anything, other than be there to listen. God handled everything else that was needed. I like it when things work out that way. I’ve found God doesn’t seem too excited about my ability, but He is concerned about my availability.
Here is a quote attributed to Willie Nelson: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”
I think Willie was telling the truth. I know God is. If you want to have a life changing relationship with the One Who can remove your depression and grant you His peace, please see Got God?
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving season wherever you live.