Great is Thy Faithfulness

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. -Lamentations 3:22-23

One of the most beautiful hymns of our time is "Great is Thy Faithfulness."  The words started as a humble poem... one of approximately 1200 written by Thomas Obadiah Chisolm.  

This 'ordinary man' was born in Kentucky on July 29th,1866 and struggled with poor health his entire life.  In 1923, at 57 years old, he sent "Great is Thy Faithfulness" along with several other poems to his friend, Rev. William M. Runyan, a musician associated with the Moody Bible Institute and an editor with the Hope Publishing Company.  He was so moved by the words of this particular poem that he set out to write a score that would do it justice.  

When the hymn was published in 1923, and for several years, it garnered little attention outside of the Moody Bible Institute, where it was a favorite.  That changed in 1945 when it was sung at Billy Graham crusades.  From there it gained worldwide recognition.

At 75, Thomas Chisolm wrote:

“My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”

This man, who had plenty to be bitter and complain about, made a decision to be grateful for God's faithfulness... he found and appreciated the good things in his life, and thanked God for them.

Thomas Obadiah Chisolm lived to the old age of 93.  He helped to give us a wonderful piece of music which will surely stand the test of time.  More than that, this 'ordinary man' behind the music was a wonderful individual, who... to this day... is an amazing example of a man who faithfully trusted God.

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations. -Psalm 89:1 

Great is Thy Faithfulness

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!

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 will be.

Refrain

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
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain