JJ Heller - Count Your Blessings Lyrics
Lyrics
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep
Counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep
Counting my blessings
I think about a nursery
And I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them
As they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep
Counting your blessings
I think about a nursery
And I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them
As they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep
Counting your blessings
You'll fall asleep
Counting your blessings
Video
JJ Heller - Count Your Blessings (Official Audio Video) - White Christmas / Bing Crosby Cover
Meaning & Inspiration
JJ Heller's gentle yet profoundly insightful song, "Count Your Blessings," released on November 11, 2016, offers a soothing balm for a restless soul, presenting a simple, spiritual remedy for the anxieties that often steal our peace and sleep. At its core, the song beautifully articulates a practical, faith-centered approach to navigating life's worries, encouraging individuals to intentionally shift their focus from what troubles them to the abundant goodness in their lives. It's a testament to the power of gratitude as a spiritual discipline, transforming moments of distress into opportunities for quiet contemplation and trust in divine provision.
The narrative woven through the lyrics begins with a common human struggle: sleeplessness born of worry. Instead of succumbing to the night's anxieties or resorting to mundane distractions, the song suggests a transformative practice: counting blessings. This initial imagery of replacing "counting sheep" with counting blessings immediately establishes a spiritual foundation for finding rest. This aligns seamlessly with the instruction found in Philippians 4:6-7, which urges us not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, to present our requests to God. The promise that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," finds a melodic echo in the peaceful resolution offered by Heller's lyrics.
As the song progresses, it delves into specific areas of human concern, particularly financial strain. The observation of a "bankroll getting small" is met not with despair, but with a remembrance of past struggles, thinking of "when I had none at all." This perspective cultivates contentment, a cornerstone of biblical teaching. The wisdom of Hebrews 13:5 resonates deeply here: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Likewise, Jesus's teaching in Matthew 6, where he admonishes against worrying about what we will eat or wear, reminding us of God's care for even the birds of the air, perfectly frames this sentiment of trusting God's provision even when resources seem scarce. The song gently guides the heart to a place of sufficiency, rooted in gratitude rather than material abundance.
Perhaps the most touching and personal imagery in the song is the contemplation of a "nursery" and picturing "curly heads," counting them one by one as they sleep. This specific, tangible expression of gratitude highlights the preciousness of personal relationships and family, often the most profound blessings in our lives. Children are frequently described in Scripture as gifts from the Lord, a heritage and a reward, as beautifully stated in Psalm 127:3. This act of naming and cherishing individual blessings transforms abstract gratitude into a concrete, heartfelt practice, anchoring the soul in the undeniable goodness present in one's immediate world. It’s a powerful reminder that our greatest treasures are often not monetary, but the people God has placed in our care and lives.
Ultimately, "Count Your Blessings" serves as a gentle yet potent reminder of a powerful spiritual discipline: cultivating a grateful heart. The invitation to "just count your blessings instead of sheep" is more than a simple suggestion; it's a profound call to reorient our perspective, aligning it with the truth of God's unfailing goodness and faithfulness. This practice echoes the psalmist's instruction in Psalm 103:2, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits," and fulfills the New Testament command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Heller's simple melody and clear message provide a spiritual anchor, guiding the listener from the turbulent waters of worry to the peaceful harbor of thanksgiving, where true rest, both physical and spiritual, can be found. The song stands as a humble yet mighty anthem for renewed hope and unwavering faith in the midst of life's uncertainties.