Don’t Count Sheep … 

Ever hear the old saying if you can’t sleep to count your sheep?

I say don’t count sheep …

Do not count sheep to get you to sleep but count your blessings. Count all the blessings that God hath done for you. Name them one by one. You will soon start to see how blessed you are. God blesses us with so much. Most of the time we do not know what He has blessed us with.

If you cannot sleep take that time to spend it with God. Count your blessings. Read the Bible and study His word. Go to God in pray for concerns and thanksgiving of what He has blessed you with.

I like the old Baptist Hymnal Song “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman (1897).

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 hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

Baptist Hymnal, 1991

Doing research on this, I never knew this when God laid this on my heart, but something similar to this was said in the popular Christmas movie “White Christmas”. It was a song “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)” This song was written by Irving Berlin. Below is the main verse

If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.

Irving Berlin

I do believe this part of the song sums up what I felt led that needed to be said. So don’t count sheep … Count your blessings instead.

First published September 18, 2015. Last updated or republished September 19, 2019.

About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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