Sunday Songs of Grateful Praise - Great Is Thy Faithfulness

 

cross carved from burned tree at Paradise, California church

mobile home park destroyed by fire in background 

I have always loved this song. It speaks to my heart and calls me to remember the abundant blessings God has showered on me. Three weeks ago today my sweetheart and I stood and sang this song with a small congregation in a church building surrounded by devastation in Paradise, California. Nearly a year ago most of the town was destroyed by the largest, most destructive wildfire in the history of California. This was our second trip to Paradise since the fire but our first chance to join in worship with dear folks who survived.  Nearly all of the people in that congregation lost everything they owned - their homes and all of their belongings. Their stories of escaping while raging flames and thick, blinding smoke nearly engulfed them is almost too much to comprehend. Yet, that day as we stood together they sang from their hearts, 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness...all I have needed Thy hand hath provided'. It was hard to hold back my tears. How could I ever complain? How could I not praise God for His blessings to me?  The words of this old hymn took on new meaning. Every Sunday morning since I remember and I wish I could be there with them again.

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.

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, with ten thousand beside!

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!

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion', says my soul, 'Therefore I hope in Him!'  Lamentations 3:22-24

Song written by Thomas Chisholm, 1925
You can here the song here.


With A Grateful Heart,
Adrienne