Count your blessings bible verse

Summary

Count your blessings bible verse

Count your blessings bible verse

The Arithmetic of Grace: 65 Bible Verses to Help You Count Your Blessings

 

In the hustle of modern life, it is easy to become fixated on what is missing rather than what is present. However, the spiritual discipline of “counting your blessings”—literally tallying the goodness of God—is a transformative practice found throughout Scripture. While the specific phrase “count your blessings” comes from a beloved hymn, the command to remember, acknowledge, and give thanks for God’s provision is the heartbeat of the Bible.

Below is a curated list of 65 Bible Verses designed to help you shift your perspective from lack to abundance.

I. The Call to Remember and Acknowledge Goodness

 

Verses that command us to look back and identify God’s hand in our lives.

1. Psalm 103:2 – “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

2. Psalm 40:5 – “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”

3. Psalm 139:17-18 – “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.”

4. 1 Chronicles 16:12 – “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.”

5. Psalm 77:11 – “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”

6. Psalm 105:5 – “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.”

7. Psalm 143:5 – “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”

8. Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

9. Psalm 116:12 – “What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?”

10. Psalm 126:3 – “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

11. Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

12. Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

13. Psalm 68:19 – “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”

14. Isaiah 63:7 – “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us.”

15. Luke 1:49 – “For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”

II. The Source of Every Blessing

 

Scriptures affirming that every good thing comes directly from God.

16. James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

17. John 1:16 – “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.”

18. Ephesians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

19. Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

20. 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

21. Psalm 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

22. Ezekiel 34:26 – “I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.”

23. Proverbs 10:22 – “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”

24. Matthew 7:11 – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

25. Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

26. Acts 14:17 – “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

27. Psalm 23:5 – “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

28. Psalm 65:11 – “You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.”

29. Deuteronomy 28:2 – “All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.”

30. Malachi 3:10 – “Test me in this… and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

III. The Attitude of Thanksgiving

 

Verses teaching us the posture of a grateful heart.

31. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

32. Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

33. Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

34. Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

35. Psalm 107:1 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

36. Psalm 9:1 – “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

37. Psalm 106:1 – “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

38. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

39. Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

40. Psalm 95:2 – “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”

41. 2 Corinthians 4:15 – “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”

42. 2 Corinthians 9:11 – “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

43. Ephesians 5:20 – “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

44. Psalm 69:30 – “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”

45. Jonah 2:9 – “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’”

IV. Blessings of Peace, Family, and Future

 

Specific blessings we often overlook.

46. Numbers 6:24-26 – “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

47. Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”

48. Psalm 127:3 – “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”

49. Proverbs 16:20 – “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.”

50. Psalm 29:11 – “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

51. Psalm 67:7 – “May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.”

52. Psalm 128:1-2 – “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

53. Psalm 1:1-3 – “Blessed is the one… That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.”

54. Matthew 5:3-10 – (The Beatitudes) “Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are those who mourn… Blessed are the meek…”

55. Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

56. Isaiah 30:18 – “Blessed are all who wait for him!”

57. Luke 1:45 – “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

58. Proverbs 22:9 – “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

59. Psalm 112:1 – “Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands.”

60. Psalm 115:14-15 – “May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

61. Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (The blessing of community).

62. Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful person will be richly blessed.”

63. Psalm 144:15 – “Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the LORD.”

64. Galatians 3:9 – “So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

65. Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”

25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Counting Your Blessings

 

Q1: Is the phrase “Count your blessings” actually in the Bible? A: The exact phrase “count your blessings” comes from a famous hymn by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1897), not directly from Scripture text. However, the concept is thoroughly biblical, found in Psalm 40:5 and Psalm 103:2 which command us to recount and remember God’s wonders.

Q2: Why is it important to count our blessings? A: Counting blessings shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It combats anxiety (Philippians 4:6), eradicates envy, and aligns our perspective with God’s generosity, fostering contentment.

Q3: How can I be thankful when I am suffering? A: The Bible commands us to give thanks in all circumstances, not necessarily for them (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We count the blessings of God’s presence, His salvation, and His promises, which remain true even in suffering.

Q4: What is the difference between luck and a blessing? A: Luck suggests random chance or chaos. A blessing is an intentional act of favor and provision from a sovereign, loving God. James 1:17 tells us every good gift comes from the Father.

Q5: Does God bless everyone, or just Christians? A: There is “Common Grace” (Matthew 5:45 – God sends rain on the just and unjust) where everyone experiences general blessings of life. However, there are specific covenantal blessings (Ephesians 1:3) reserved for those in relationship with Him.

Q6: Can I block God’s blessings? A: Yes. Unbelief, unconfessed sin, and disobedience can hinder the flow of blessings (Jeremiah 5:25). Conversely, obedience opens the door to them (Deuteronomy 28).

Q7: What is the greatest blessing in the Bible? A: The gift of Jesus Christ and salvation. Ephesians 1:3 speaks of “every spiritual blessing in Christ.” While material things are nice, eternal life and peace with God are the ultimate blessings.

Q8: How do I start a habit of counting blessings? A: Start a “Gratitude Journal.” Every morning or evening, write down 3 specific things God did for you that day. Over time, this rewires your brain to scan for God’s goodness.

Q9: Is money considered a blessing in the Bible? A: It can be. Proverbs 10:22 says the blessing of the Lord brings wealth. However, money is a tool and a stewardship test, not the ultimate sign of God’s favor.

Q10: What does it mean that my cup “overflows”? A: From Psalm 23:5, it is imagery of a host who provides more than enough wine for a guest. It symbolizes God giving us more grace, mercy, and provision than we strictly need for survival—He gives abundance.

Q11: Are children considered a blessing? A: Yes, Psalm 127:3 explicitly calls children a “heritage from the Lord” and a “reward.”

Q12: What if I don’t feel blessed? A: Feelings are not facts. If you have breath in your lungs (Genesis 2:7) and access to salvation, you are blessed. Counting blessings is a discipline of faith, not just a reaction to positive emotions.

Q13: Can a blessing turn into a curse? A: If we idolize the gift more than the Giver, a blessing can become a stumbling block (Malachi 2:2). We must hold blessings with open hands.

Q14: What is the “Priestly Blessing”? A: It is found in Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you…” It is the standard invocation of God’s favor upon His people.

Q15: Why do we say “bless you” when someone sneezes? A: It originated from early popes (like Gregory the Great) during plagues, offering a quick prayer for health and protection. Today it is a cultural politeness, but it has roots in asking for God’s preservation.

Q16: How can I be a blessing to others? A: Genesis 12:2 says we are blessed to be a blessing. You can do this by sharing your resources, encouraging others with Scripture, and serving those in need.

Q17: Does tithing really unlock blessings? A: Malachi 3:10 suggests that bringing the tithe opens the “floodgates of heaven.” While not a magical formula, generosity aligns our hearts with God’s, positioning us to be trusted with more.

Q18: What is a “spiritual blessing”? A: These are intangible but eternal gifts: forgiveness, adoption, the Holy Spirit, peace, wisdom, and access to the throne of God.

Q19: Why does Job say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”? A: Job recognized that God’s worthiness to be praised is not dependent on Job’s bank account or health. He counted God’s sovereignty as a blessing even in loss.

Q20: What does the Bible say about ungratefulness? A: Romans 1:21 links ungratefulness with the beginning of spiritual decline (“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him”).

Q21: How can counting blessings help with depression? A: It shifts the cognitive focus. While it may not cure clinical depression, focusing on gratitude (Philippians 4:8) helps interrupt negative thought spirals and reminds the sufferer of God’s presence.

Q22: What is the “sacrifice of praise”? A: Referencing Hebrews 13:15, it means praising God and counting blessings when it is difficult—when it costs you your pride or your pain to say “Thank you, God.”

Q23: Do we have to thank God for food? A: Jesus set the example by giving thanks before feeding the 5,000 and at the Last Supper. It acknowledges God as the provider of our daily bread.

Q24: What does “Blessed are the poor in spirit” mean? A: It means those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy without God are in a happy/favorable position because they are ready to receive the Kingdom of Heaven.

Q25: How can I teach my children to count their blessings? A: Model it. At dinner, go around the table and ask, “Where did you see God’s goodness today?” Make it a regular family rhythm.