This week we are talking about counting our blessings. From Genesis chapter 49 verse 26, “The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.”

Jacob had lived a long life filled with a few high points but also much conflict. He lost the love of his life as she birthed their final son Benjamin. He lost his son Joseph through a scheme of his other jealous sons who sold Joseph into slavery and deceived their father that he had been killed. When Jacob was later reunited with Joseph in Egypt, he reflected on his life before Pharaoh, calling his 130 years few and unpleasant, and not living up to his father's before him. But 17 years later he assessed his life differently, saying that God had indeed blessed him even more than his own parents.

What changed? Jacob began to count the rich mercies of God in his life. It's easy to encounter adversity and think our lives are without meaning. We can focus on people who disappoint us, work that is difficult, or life that seems unfulfilled. Or we can focus on the many ways God has blessed us. How do you look at your life day in and day out? Do you look at the negative? Or do you look at the blessings that you've been given each day in everything that you do? Always remember God's mercy is for you, it's for me, it's for everyone. Count your blessings each and every day, no matter how little they are, because God gives them to you because he loves you.

Let me finish out with a prayer for us. God, today I choose to be thankful. Today I will put aside my complaints and take time to remember your goodness in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness, your protection, and the many ways you demonstrate that you love me. In your precious name we pray, Amen.