Hymn Sing

Posted by Jeremy On September - 22 - 2008

Just got home from the Hymn Sing a little while ago…when my dad introduced a song I said to Peter “that sounds like something my mom would say.”  It was a hymn that I had never heard before called Count Your Blessings.  I have bolded some phrases that really spoke to me.

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.

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.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

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.

5 Responses so far
  1. Tall Brian Said,

    Woo hoo, posts!

    Question: When was this song written?

    Posted on September 21st, 2008 at 10:42 pm

  2. Jeremy Said,

    It first appeared in Songs for Young People in 1897.

    Posted on September 21st, 2008 at 10:49 pm

  3. Peter Said,

    That’s interesting, as it does sound like a “song for young people”. Simple lyrics, dead simple melody… yet such a great hymn.

    Posted on September 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 am

  4. Chris Said,

    If you listen to the original chording, you can hear the “barbershop” type harmonies and styling, which would have also made it “young people”-friendly in 1897, since that was about the time when barbershop came into its own.
    Neat to know that God is truly over all, and that He uses whatever kind of communication is available to do His work.
    You are one of my blessings!

    Posted on September 22nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm

  5. Jennie Cross Said,

    Hey, I grew up singing that here in UT. Thought it was an LDS hymn! I was corrected when we sang it at Mountain View Baptist a few weeks ago. Hey, maybe we were singing it at the same time. :)
    Miss you guys!

    Posted on September 24th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

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