The hallways were quiet, except for the occasional nurse walking by. Daddy’s hospital room was even more quiet…and dark. The only light in the room came from the green glow of the monitor keeping track of his vitals.
I knew it had to be around 3 a.m., but I couldn’t sleep.
My brain wouldn’t shut off; worries flooded every corner of my mind.
What if he doesn’t get better? How will we live life without him? What will Mom do?
The longer I thought about all the “what ifs” and unknowns, the more upset I became. I wasn’t sure I could make it another four hours before my mom arrived. I wanted to run away, though I had no idea where I would go. Just as I was about to call my sister to vent all of my frustrations and fears, an old hymn we used to sing at the Bedford Free Methodist Church in Indiana rose up on the inside of me.
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“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.”
I hadn’t heard that song in years, yet at the moment I needed to hear from God the most, its words ministered to me and gave me clear direction to get me through that night and many nights since then.
I did just as the song suggested—I began counting my blessings. I thanked God for my godly parents who had given me a foundation of faith. I thanked Him for my wonderful husband who had been rock as we navigated these unknown waters with Daddy’s declining health. I praised Him for my daughters who brought so much joy and meaning into every single day. I thanked God for so many blessings in my life, and finally I thanked Him for speaking to me through an old hymn that had been hidden in my heart as a little girl.
Suddenly, my sleepless night turned into a peaceful one. My situation hadn’t changed, but my spirit had been lifted. Counting my blessings brought God into that hospital room, and I felt His tangible presence.
Praise will do that every time.
So, if you’ve been having sleepless nights and wrestling with worries, start counting your blessings. Begin praising God for all He has done for you, and meditate on those things—not the “what ifs” and your worries.
Pray this with me: “Father, I thank You for so many good things in my life, and I ask You to be the peace in my storm. Remind me, Lord, of Your goodness when my mind begins dwelling on the wrong things. I love You. In the Name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.”
