Great Is They Faithfulness | Hymn25

1923 | Thomas O. Chisolm

At just over 100 years old, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” finds itself as much relevant and useful as in it’s early days. Certainly that is because it comes straight from Scripture, as writer Thomas Chisolm made clear as his intention:

Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

God’s faithfulness is forever intertwined with his love for us. Notice form Lamentations 3 how God’s faithfulness is demonstrated in his compassion for his people. Fortunately for our sake, that faithfulness is not reliant on our integrity, but His. 2 Timothy 2:13 says “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

May you carry this song and it’s biblical promises close to your heart and mind and soul. If and when you falter, look back to your faithful, compassionate God in gratitude. For all the love you have need, His hand has provided.

P.S. I thought it noteworthy to share a correspondence recorded from the composer William Marion Runyan in 1943 in regards to the song:

“Mr. Chisholm and I were devoted co-workers, and I wrote harmonies to some 20 or 25 of his poems. This particular poem held such an appeal that I prayed most earnestly that my tune might carryover its message in a worthy way, and the subsequent history of its use indicates that God answers prayer.”

What a beautiful account of our musical forbearers and their careful prayer toward the effectiveness of their work. When you hear and sing Great is Thy Faithfulness, may you be reminded of the prayers for the tune to reach your heart!

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.

Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast 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.

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

Jon Lilley | Worship Arts Pastor