The way to be blessed is not to run after blessings, but to consider the Source of the blessings, and to be in touch with the Source.
– posted on the wall in Pathhead Baptist Church, Kirkcaldy (author unknown)

So many people want the things they can get from the Lord, rather than wanting the Lord Himself.

This quote reminded me of one of the favourite hymns in our church.

Once It Was the Blessing

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted, Now, the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Chorus:
All in all forever, Only Christ I’ll sing;
Everything is in Christ, And Christ in everything.

Once ‘twas painful trying, Now ‘tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost;
Once ‘twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once ‘twas constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.

Once ‘twas busy planning, Now ‘tis trustful prayer;
Once ‘twas anxious caring, Now He has the care;
Once ‘twas what I wanted Now what Jesus says;
Once ‘twas constant asking, Now ‘tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me;
Once the pow’r I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I laboured, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine;
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored Safe within the veil.

The hymn was written by Albert Simpson.  We sing it to Kirk Merchant’s beautiful tune.