“I have been blessed”

“He’s my shoulder to lean on when I am so down, a rock where He leads me when I’m overwhelmed. The place where He hides me under His wings. He’s not just a song, He’s the reason I sing, Oh, and I have been blessed.

I have been blessed, God’s so good to me, precious are His thoughts of you and me. No way could I count them there’s not enough time, so I’ll just thank Him for being so kind. God has been good, so good. I have been blessed.”

If you’ve never heard the song, ‘I have been blessed’ I highly recommend looking it up on YouTube by CT Townsend.  It may not be your style of music but listen to the words. This beautiful song is a constant reminder of how blessed we truly are. In a world of disappointments, struggles, and trials it is so easy to get discouraged and depressed.

Depression is no longer a battle that only adults deal with. In my experience in Youth Ministry, I’ve realized that more and more youth are dealing with depression than ever before. Teens of all ages are dealing with suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety issues. You are not alone.

Last year, while working with the Youth at my church, I heard of multiple suicides within the school district. The teenagers that committed suicide were your average students. They were what seemed to be ‘happy’ and living life every day as  normal teenagers. They weren’t addicts or troublemakers, they were just kids. It’s devastating to imagine what was going through their minds when they decided to take their own life. What brought them to that point? Why didn’t someone stop them? Could it have been prevented?

Life is tough. God never said it would be easy, but if we can look up and remember how blessed we truly are, it makes this life a little bit easier. Remember that this life on earth is only temporary. Count your blessings each day by remembering the simple things. Remember your parents are gifts from God doing the best they know how to raise you in this dark world. I know it’s hard, but thank God for them even when they aren’t your best friends. If your parents aren’t in your life, thank God that they chose life instead of abortion. Thank God for the people around you that care for you enough to discipline you and help guide you in life. Be thankful even when being thankful is hard to do. Thank God for the roof over your head, the food on your plate, the shoes on your feet, and every second He has given you. Everything you have and everything you are is because of Him.

Focus on the positive blessings in life and I promise it’ll make your day better and possibly someone else’s day too. Your positive influence could save a life. Suicide is permanent. Serve God by being thankful and lifting those up around you. Make a difference, save a life!

“He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

Prayer: Pray for the person sitting beside you each day. You never know what they may be going through on the inside. Pray that God will give you a positive outlook on life and help you share it with others. Be the Light!

Challenge: Every time you have a negative thought today, stop yourself before you say it out loud. Fast (stay away) from negativity and see how your life changes.

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!