Sunday, November 23, 2014

HYMN: Great is Thy Faithfulness

 

Today's hymn, GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, is a special hymn to me and my husband, David for various reasons...
1.  It is David's favorite hymn. 
2.  It is the hymn our family and friends all sang together at our wedding.

3.  It is the theme song of the college we attended in Chicago:  Moody Bible Institute.  It was sung at many school functions and, let me tell you, hearing the echoing voices sing this hymn in a large auditorium, or at Moody Church, is something neither of us will ever forget.
So, yes, it is a special hymn to us. But, there is another reason that makes it special. Have you ever paid attention to the words? They are based on Lamentations 3:22-23:

The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

What an encouraging verse! It tells us how loving our God is, and how faithful He is to those who trust in Him. It tells us our God cares about us, and will bless us on a daily basis, if we only take the time to look for those blessings.

The author of the poem-turned-hymn is Thomas Obadiah Chisholm. He was born in Franklin, KY, in a log cabin, became a teacher at the age of 16, accepted the Lord as his Savior in his late twenties, and became a Pastor at the age of 36. This poem/hymn came from his desire to express the faithfulness of God in his life - as well as in ALL of our lives...


Words by:  Thomas O. Chisholm - 1923
Music by:  William M. Runyan

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided --
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!


Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! 

Refrain


SOURCES:  

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