The story behind the song… March

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Continuing on the theme of great charismatic and revival hymns.

Great is thy faithfulness was written by Thomas O Chisholm in 1923 and the words were inspired by God’s blessing on his ordinary life and bible truth. The tune was written by William Runyan particularly for these words and he hoped the tune would help to capture the warmth of the message. Tunes are so important in helping congregations to engage in worship and this tune is  both beautiful and lively.

The chorus is based on Lamintations 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 thy faithfulness.  The hymn also reminds us in verse one that God is immovable and permanent ‘There is no shadow of turning with thee. Thou changest not.’ This is based on James 1:17: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above. Coming down from the father of the heavenly lights, who does not change by shifting shadows.’

Verse two reminds us of the beauty of creation and the seasons which shape our world

The final verse has powerful words it begins as a prayer for confession and reminds us of the gift of God’s presence and the strength that will bring.  At the heart of Christianity is that bright hope for tomorrow the hope of eternal life.

There will be a link on the website so you can listen to this hymn

 

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:
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

 

Here you’ll find a more traditional version and here a more modern take. Which is your favourite?