Count Your Blessings Lyrics | Full Hymn, Meaning & History In 2026

Quick Answer
Count Your Blessings is a traditional Christian hymn written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897, with music composed by Edwin O. Excell. It encourages believers to remember God’s goodness, practice gratitude, and find hope during difficult circumstances. The original English hymn is in the public domain.

Sometimes, life becomes so busy that we forget to appreciate the good things we already have. Difficult days, unexpected problems, and constant comparisons can make it hard to see the blessings around us. The beloved Christian hymn Count Your Blessings offers a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and remember God’s goodness.

Written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897, with music by Edwin O. Excell, this traditional hymn has encouraged generations of Christians to remain thankful during both joyful and difficult times. Its message is simple: instead of focusing only on life’s troubles, take time to recognize the blessings that bring comfort, strength, and hope.

Whether you remember singing this hymn in church, want to learn its words, or are searching for its meaning, this guide explores the traditional lyrics, background, spiritual message, and practical lessons behind this timeless song.

Count Your Blessings Lyrics

The traditional hymn Count Your Blessings was written by Johnson Oatman Jr. and set to music by Edwin O. Excell. The following is the original English hymn text, which is identified as public domain by established hymn resources.

Verse 1

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 has done.

Chorus

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.

Verse 2

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.

Chorus

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.

Verse 3

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.

Chorus

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.

Verse 4

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.

Final Chorus

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.

Source for the traditional hymn text and publication details: Timeless Truths — Count Your Blessings and Hymnary.org — Count Your Blessings.

About the Hymn Count Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings is a well-known Christian hymn about recognizing God’s goodness in everyday life. Its words encourage people to remember what they have rather than allowing hardship or comparison to control their outlook.

• The hymn dates back to 1897.
• It combines a memorable melody with a repeated chorus.
• Its verses address discouragement, burdens, comparison, and hope.
• Its message is suitable for personal reflection and congregational singing.
• It is commonly associated with gratitude and Christian encouragement.

The song does not suggest that life will always be easy. Instead, it offers a way to remember faith and hope when life feels uncertain.

Who Wrote Count Your Blessings?

Johnson Oatman Jr. wrote the words of Count Your Blessings, and Edwin O. Excell composed its music. The hymn was published in 1897.

• Johnson Oatman Jr.: American hymn writer and lyricist.
• Edwin O. Excell: American composer, music publisher, and gospel music leader.
• Publication year: 1897.
• Musical style: Traditional Christian hymn with a recurring chorus.
• Primary message: Gratitude, trust in God, and perseverance through difficulty.

The hymn’s straightforward language and repeated chorus help make its message easy to remember and sing.

Meaning of Count Your Blessings

The phrase count your blessings means recognizing and appreciating the good things in your life. In the Christian context of this hymn, it also means remembering God’s faithfulness and expressing gratitude for His care.

• Recognize what you have: Notice the good things that may otherwise go unappreciated.
• Remember difficult seasons: Reflect on the strength and support that helped you through them.
• Avoid unhealthy comparison: Value your own life instead of measuring it against someone else’s possessions.
• Hold on to hope: Let faith encourage you when circumstances become challenging.
• Practice gratitude: Give thanks for meaningful moments, relationships, and opportunities.

The hymn’s central idea is that gratitude can change what we pay attention to. It does not remove every difficulty, but it can help us approach life’s challenges with a more hopeful perspective.

Main Themes of the Hymn

Gratitude

The song encourages listeners to remember their blessings instead of focusing exclusively on what is missing.

• Appreciate everyday gifts.
• Remember people who support you.
• Give thanks for moments of peace.
• Recognize progress, even when it feels small.

Faith During Difficult Times

The opening verse describes discouragement and hardship. Its message is to keep remembering God’s goodness when life feels overwhelming.

• Seek spiritual encouragement.
• Pray during uncertain seasons.
• Remember sources of support.
• Continue moving forward with hope.

Contentment

The hymn warns against comparing your circumstances with the wealth or possessions of others.

• Appreciate your own journey.
• Avoid measuring worth through money.
• Celebrate other people’s success without diminishing your own life.
• Focus on what carries lasting meaning.

Hope and Perseverance

The final verse reminds listeners not to give up when facing conflict or difficulty.

• Take challenges one step at a time.
• Remember that difficult seasons can change.
• Seek comfort through faith and community.
• Keep looking for reasons to be thankful.

Biblical Connections to Count Your Blessings

The hymn’s message connects with several biblical themes, especially thanksgiving, remembrance, and trust in God.

Psalm 103:2

Psalm 103:2 encourages believers not to forget God’s benefits. This idea closely matches the hymn’s invitation to remember and appreciate blessings.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

This verse teaches thanksgiving in every circumstance. It supports the hymn’s message of gratitude, even when life is not going according to plan.

Psalm 107:1

Psalm 107:1 calls people to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and enduring love.

Ephesians 5:20

Ephesians 5:20 emphasizes giving thanks to God. Its message complements the hymn’s focus on recognizing blessings with a grateful heart.

These passages provide useful context for readers who want to explore the hymn’s biblical themes. When quoting Scripture in a published article, use a reputable Bible edition and follow its quotation and attribution requirements.

Why Count Your Blessings Is Still Meaningful

Although the hymn was written in the nineteenth century, its message remains familiar to modern readers.

• It addresses everyday struggles: Discouragement and worry are not limited to one generation.
• It encourages reflection: The repeated chorus invites listeners to pause and remember.
• It offers a simple message: Gratitude is easy to understand and practice.
• It supports spiritual reflection: Christians can use the hymn during prayer or personal devotion.
• It encourages contentment: It reminds people that money and possessions are not the only measures of a meaningful life.

Its lasting appeal comes from the way it connects faith with an ordinary human experience: forgetting what is good when problems become overwhelming.

Lessons We Can Learn from Count Your Blessings

The hymn offers several practical lessons that can be applied to everyday life.

• Pause before worrying: Give yourself time to reflect.
• Appreciate small things: A kind message or peaceful morning matters.
• Remember past challenges: Think about what helped you through them.
• Avoid comparison: Your journey does not need to look like anyone else’s.
• Practice thanksgiving: Make gratitude part of your daily routine.
• Seek support: Faith, friends, family, and community can offer encouragement.
• Keep perspective: A difficult day does not define your entire life.
• Share encouragement: A thoughtful message can remind others to appreciate their blessings.

How to Practice the Message of Count Your Blessings

You do not have to wait for a special occasion to put the hymn’s message into practice. Small habits can help you become more aware of the good things in your life.

• Write down three blessings: Choose three things you appreciate each day.
• Say a short prayer: Express gratitude in your own words.
• Thank someone: Let a family member or friend know you value them.
• Reflect before bed: Think about one positive moment from your day.
• Share the hymn: Send its message to someone who may appreciate encouragement.
• Read a related Bible passage: Reflect on a verse about thanksgiving.
• Celebrate small progress: Notice efforts and improvements, not just major achievements.

Gratitude does not require ignoring pain or pretending that every situation is good. It means making room to recognize what is still meaningful while honestly facing life’s difficulties.

Count Your Blessings: Hymn Facts at a Glance

FAQs

What are the original Count Your Blessings lyrics?

The traditional hymn begins with a verse about facing discouragement and remembering God’s goodness.

Who wrote the hymn Count Your Blessings?

Johnson Oatman Jr. wrote the lyrics, and Edwin O. Excell composed the music. The hymn was published in 1897.

What is the main message of Count Your Blessings?

Its main message is to remember and appreciate your blessings, maintain faith during difficult circumstances, and avoid comparing your life with other people’s wealth or possessions.

Is Count Your Blessings a Christian hymn?

Yes. It is a traditional Christian hymn that emphasizes gratitude, God’s goodness, perseverance, and hope.

Is Count Your Blessings in the public domain?

The original English hymn text and its 1897 music are identified as public domain by established hymn resources. Modern recordings, arrangements, translations, and newly created editions may have separate rights.

Conclusion

Count Your Blessings remains a meaningful Christian hymn because it offers a simple reminder to practice gratitude and hold on to faith during difficult times. Written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897 and set to music by Edwin O. Excell, it encourages listeners to remember God’s goodness instead of allowing discouragement or comparison to dominate their thoughts.

Whether you sing it at church, read the lyrics during personal devotion, or share its message with someone who needs encouragement, the hymn offers an opportunity to reflect on what matters most.

Take a moment today to recognize the people, experiences, and sources of hope that make your life meaningful. You may discover that even during a difficult season, there are still reasons to be thankful.

Discover More Related Articles:

• Happy Saturday Blessings | Beautiful Wishes & Prayers In 2026
• Monday Blessings and Prayers | Inspiring Wishes and Quotes In 2026

Nathan Holloway