HYMN OF THEÂ MONTH:
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
by Johnson Oatman Jr., 1856-1922
 PART SIX: EARLY AMERICAN HYMNS
Another Gift, Another Blessing
Johnson Oatman from Lumberton, New Jersey had such a powerful singing voice, people knew about it for miles around.
His son, Johnson Oatman, Jr., wasn’t quite as blessed in the singing department. Still, the younger Johnson aspired to make his own musical contributions, somehow and someway.
It wasn’t until he was 36 years old and many years into the ministry, when Johnson Oatman, Jr. discovered he could write hymns!
He wasted no time upon this discovery and began composing nearly 200 hymns every year, culminating in a remarkable collection of 5,000 hymns total!
While Johnson held certain songs as personal favorites, such as "No, Not One" and "Higher Ground," one of his creations, "Count Your Blessings," penned in 1897, stood out in its appeal.
This hymn quickly gained widespread popularity, resonating deeply with people from all walks of life prompting one evangelist to remark "Men sing it, boys whistle it and women rock their babies to sleep to it."
The biblical truth found in this hymn is particularly relevant in a time when materialism has swept the nation, often making gratitude an elusive attitude.
As this hymn reminds us, let’s pause and reflect on the blessings we enjoy, count them, and rejoice in the abundant lives God has given each of His children.
Hymn Outline
Count Your Blessings When You Are:
Forgetting (Stanza One)
Doubting (Stanza Two)
Wanting (Stanza three)
Struggling (Stanza Four)
Read & Relate
Count Your Blessings
by Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1856-1922
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Stanza One:
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.
James 1:2-4; Ps. 40:5-6; 1 Cor. 2:9; Ps. 103:2
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;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Ps. 77:11; Ps. 66:5; Ps. 71:15; John 1:16
Stanza Two:
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.
Matt. 11:28-30; Luke 14:27; Ps. 68:19-20; Rom. 10:17; Eph. 5:19
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Stanza Three:
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.
Ps. 49:16-17; Phil. 4:19; Prov. 10:22; 2 Cor. 9:8; Matt. 5:12
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Stanza Four:
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
 Rom. 7:21; John 16:33; Eph. 1:3; James 1:12; Eph. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12; Heb. 13:2
Go Deeper
The Study Guide
Our latest Hymn Study Guide will help you and your family reflect through each stanza of our hymn and connect it more firmly in biblical truth.
Remember
Print, mail or post this printable postcard on your fridge or bulletin board, clip in a photo holder or place in a frame.
