An Attitude Of …?

Matthew17:17 (NIV) —

‘Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?'

I recently heard a reading from Matthew 17 - the story of how Jesus encountered ten men suffering from leprosy, and healed all of them. Some time later, just one of them came back to offer praise to God, and to thank Jesus. Jesus enquired, 'Where are the other nine?” – but the fact remained that only one actually took the time and the trouble to thank him. No longer a leper, he was amazed by the blessing of his healing, and also realised where thanks and praise were due!

That story reminded me of leading a 9:45am service at St Luke’s church a few weeks ago. This small service is mainly attended by the more mature members of the congregation (like me…), so we sometimes take the opportunity to sing one of the old worship songs which we remember from many years ago. At this service we chose to sing “Count your Blessings“ written by Johnson Oatman (in 1897, so it really is one of the old ones…).

The verse goes like this:

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. (Johnson Oatman 1897)

That leper must certainly have been discouraged, thought that all was lost - until he met Jesus! And when he realised just where his blessing had come from, what could he do but express his gratitude!

So this morning, before the worries and anxieties of the day take hold, why not take a few moments to simply count your blessings? Name them one by one – and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

Prayer - Lord, please help me to follow the example of that healed leper, and to live today with an Attitude of Gratitude!