The Bible teaches us not to put our trust in the numbers or strength of what we have, but we are taught to give thanks. A friend of mine took a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee some time ago. He said, “During the trip, the boat stopped, the captain stripped to his shorts and dived overboard! He surfaced holding a large fish which he manhandled on board. We had no idea they could grow that big. I had previously wondered why 153 large fish could cause the fishermen such a problem. Then I knew! A net with that many of such large fish would truly be a miracle. No wonder Peter counted them and remembered the exact number!”
 
The disciples had not gone to fish with Jesus’ approval, but He did not abandon them. They did not ask for help, but He told them where to find the fish. They had small expectations, but Jesus did far more than ever they expected. Ephesians 3:20 confirms this: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” When that happens we need to record what God has done and give Him thanks. Psalm 136 is an example of that – listing many things the Lord had done for His people – and every verse ends: “His love endures for ever!”
 
It is good to count our blessings; not in order to boast of what we have got, but so that we can properly give God the glory. The soul who presumes on the blessing of God, values neither the gifts nor the Giver. But the humble soul knows that when goodness comes to his door, it is all of God’s grace. That person will treasure His gifts, rejoice and give thanks. Then it is so easy to forget! So why not find a way of recording what the Lord has done for you – it will be a great encouragement to you and to others in the future.