When you consider all that is going on in Hong Kong and surrounding areas, there is much to be anxious and down about. One therapeutic strategy that researchers are affirming to help with depression and anxiety is regularly recording what you are thankful for. Simply put, at the end of each day write a list. This strategy is very similar to the lyrics found in the hymn Count Your Blessings, written by Johnson Oatman in 1856. He writes,
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings see what God has done.
If I were to list what I am thankful for this week it would include:
- Technology. Through technology we have been able to connect with one another, make decisions, have meetings, pray, check in, and worship together. We had 239 households view our services online last Sunday!
- Gifts within our community. I am so thankful that God equips and gifts people differently. These past few weeks especially, our ladies retreat leadership team have been working overtime. Their attention to detail, administration skills and care for the 42 ladies attending is outstanding.
- Prayer. Although we may feel alone, we are not alone. God is with us (Isaiah 41:10) and if any of us lack wisdom all we need to do is ask. (James 1:5)
- The sun. We have had some lovely sunny days.
- Community. Being connected to people, hearing their stories and rejoicing in seeing God’s hand on their life, has encouraged me this week.
“Reflect on your present blessings, on which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens
I hope you are able to find something to be thankful for this week and perhaps make it a regular routine. We are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
This Sunday, we will conclude the Book of Ruth. If you have not been able to join us, or if you would like more background to the book, the Bible Project is a wonderful resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Blessings, Pastor Michele