Great Is Thy Faithfulness Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Austin Stone Worship: A Powerful Hymn of Praise
Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a powerful hymn of praise that has been sung by generations of Christians around the world. The song's lyrics are a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness and steadfast love, and it has become a beloved hymn for many Christians. This song has been sung by countless choirs, worship teams, and congregations, and it continues to inspire and uplift people today.
The Story Behind Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great Is Thy Faithfulness was written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1923. Chisholm was born in a log cabin in Kentucky in 1866 and grew up on a farm. He became a teacher at the age of 16 and later worked as a newspaper editor, insurance agent, and pastor. Despite his many different occupations, Chisholm was known for his deep faith and his love for hymn writing.
Chisholm wrote more than 1,200 poems and hymns during his lifetime, but Great Is Thy Faithfulness is perhaps his most well-known work. The hymn was inspired by the Bible verse Lamentations 3:22-23, which says, "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."
Chisholm wrote the hymn as a testament to God's faithfulness in his own life. He had experienced many ups and downs throughout his life, including poor health and financial struggles, but he always trusted in God's faithfulness and provision. Chisholm said of the hymn, "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."
The hymn was set to music by William M. Runyan, who was a music editor for the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Runyan wrote the music specifically for Chisholm's poem, and the hymn was first published in 1923.
The Meaning of the Lyrics
The lyrics of Great Is Thy Faithfulness are simple yet profound. They speak of God's faithfulness, mercy, and love, and they remind us that no matter what we go through in life, God is always with us. Here is a closer look at the meaning behind the lyrics:
"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father." This opening line is a declaration of God's faithfulness. It acknowledges God as our Father and recognizes that His faithfulness is great.
"There is no shadow of turning with Thee." This line is a reference to James 1:17, which says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." The line reminds us that God is unchanging and always faithful.
"Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not." This line is a reference to Malachi 3:6, which says, "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." The line reminds us that God's compassions never fail and that He is always constant.
"As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be." This line is a reminder that God's faithfulness is eternal. He has always been faithful, and He will always be faithful.
"Morning by morning new mercies I see." This line is a reference to Lamentations 3:22-23, which inspired the hymn. It reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning and that we can always trust in His faithfulness.
"All I have needed Thy hand hath provided." This line is a reminder that God is our provider and that He will always provide for our needs.
"I could not love Thee, so blind and unfeeling." This line is a recognition of our own weakness and inability to love God perfectly. It acknowledges that we are dependent on God's love and mercy.
"Yet in Thy mercy, how pleasing Thou find'st me." This line is a reminder that God loves us despite our flaws and weaknesses. His mercy is greater than our sin.
"Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth." This line is a reference to Romans 5:1, which says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." It reminds us that through Jesus, we have been forgiven and have peace with God.
"Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide." This line is a reminder that God is always with us, cheering us on and guiding us through life.
"Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow." This line is a reminder that God gives us the strength we need to face each day, and that we can always have hope for the future.
"Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside." This line is a recognition of all the blessings God has given us. It reminds us to be grateful for what we have and to trust in God's faithfulness for the future.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Song
Great Is Thy Faithfulness is filled with references to Bible verses. Here are some of the verses that inspired the lyrics:
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."
James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Malachi 3:6 - "I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed."
Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Practical Application of the Song
Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a hymn of praise that reminds us of God's faithfulness, mercy, and love. It is a song that can be applied to our daily lives in many ways. Here are some practical applications of the song:
1. Trust in God's faithfulness. No matter what challenges we face in life, we can always trust in God's faithfulness. He has been faithful in the past, and He will continue to be faithful in the future.
2. Be grateful for God's blessings. Great Is Thy Faithfulness reminds us of all the blessings God has given us. We should take time to be grateful for these blessings and to recognize God's provision in our lives.
3. Seek God's presence. The song speaks of God's presence cheering us on and guiding us through life. We should seek to be in His presence daily, through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship.
4. Remember God's mercy and forgiveness. The song speaks of God's mercy and forgiveness, which are available to us through Jesus. We should remember that we are forgiven and loved by God, and that we can always turn to Him for forgiveness and grace.
In conclusion, Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a beautiful hymn of praise that has inspired and uplifted generations of Christians. Its lyrics remind us of God's faithfulness, mercy, and love, and it encourages us to trust in Him and to be grateful for His blessings. As we sing this hymn, may we be reminded of God's faithfulness in our own lives, and may we continue to trust in Him for the future.
