Avalon - Great Is Thy Faithfulness Lyrics
Lyrics
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changes not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou has been, Thou forever will be
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
Pardon for sin and a peace that endure
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
And all I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Video
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Meaning & Inspiration
Avalon's rendition of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," released on January 1, 2006, as part of their album *Faith: A Hymns Collection*, offers a vibrant reinterpretation of a foundational hymn. While the original hymn was penned by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1923, drawing deep inspiration from the book of Lamentations, Avalon's vocal artistry ensures that its enduring message resonates with renewed clarity and power for a contemporary audience. This particular recording beautifully preserves the hymn's theological weight, focusing intently on the unchanging character of God and His unwavering provision, themes deeply embedded in the fabric of Christian experience.
The profound truth at the heart of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" begins with the declaration of God as our Father, affirming His stable nature. The opening lines, asserting "There is no shadow of turning with Thee" and "Thou changes not," directly echo Scriptural assurances found in Malachi 3:6, where God states, "For I the LORD do not change," and James 1:17, which describes God as "the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." This establishes a bedrock of trust: in a world of constant flux, our Creator remains utterly consistent, His character immutable. His compassions, the song affirms, "fail not," aligning perfectly with Lamentations 3:22-23, which is the very genesis of this hymn: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." This unwavering constancy is the very anchor for our souls, providing a secure hope that "As Thou has been, Thou forever will be."
The recurring chorus then drives home the personal and daily impact of this divine faithfulness: "Morning by morning new mercies I see." This powerful phrase isn't merely poetic; it's a testament to the daily, tangible grace God extends to us. Every sunrise brings a fresh outpouring of His compassion, forgiveness, and guidance. The song’s assertion, "All I have needed Thy hand hath provided," finds rich confirmation in Philippians 4:19, promising that "my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." It speaks to God's meticulous care, from the smallest detail of our lives to our deepest spiritual necessities, ensuring we are sustained both physically and spiritually. It is a profound acknowledgment that our daily existence is a continuous testimony to His incredible reliability, culminating in the heartfelt declaration, "Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me."
The subsequent stanza unpacks the specific blessings flowing from this faithfulness, beginning with "Pardon for sin and a peace that endure." This speaks to the transformative power of God’s grace, where sin is forgiven (1 John 1:9) and a lasting inner peace, beyond human comprehension, is granted through Christ (Romans 5:1). The song also highlights "Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide," reflecting promises like Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me," and Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures His followers, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This divine companionship provides comfort and direction in every season. Furthermore, it speaks of "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow," echoing Isaiah 40:31, "but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength," and Romans 15:13, which invokes the God of hope to fill us with joy and peace. The final line, "Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside," is a powerful acknowledgment that God’s generosity far exceeds our recognition, showering us with countless graces, often unseen, beyond our ability to enumerate (Ephesians 1:3).
Avalon’s thoughtful interpretation of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" provides more than just a musical performance; it is a profound journey into the very heart of God's character. By emphasizing the hymn’s lyrical depth and anchoring it firmly in Biblical truth, the group creates an experience that reinforces faith and encourages reflection. It serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding everyone who engages with it that God's unwavering faithfulness is the constant foundation upon which all of life’s blessings are built, providing comfort, strength, and an enduring hope that truly does renew "morning by morning."