A Thanksgiving Hymn

Of all the hymns fitting for the Thanksgiving season, my favorite is “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

Some hymns are birthed from an episode of God's wonderful intervention. Others arise from the ashes of sorrow. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” had a different spark. Like some other hymn writers, Thomas Chisholm, experienced poor health. There was no dramatic healing. No day that everything changed.

Mr. Chisholm was in his mid-50s when he penned the lyrics. The powerful truth of it's theme carries the song. The whole point being that God proves His faithfulness “morning by morning.” He's there day after day, year after year.

The scripture that backs it up is Lamentations 3:23. Speaking of God's unfailing mercies, it says, “They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

Verse two reminds us that the heavenly bodies remaining on course exalt God during ”summer and winter and springtime and harvest.” In other words, year round. The chorus returns to the point that God is equally faithful to us: “Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

Verse three mentions specific blessings we should thank God for. They include forgiveness for sin, peace in our hearts, and His presence guiding us. Whenever I sing “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” it doesn't matter what I'm facing at the time. I get a fresh perspective, my load feels lighter, my faith grows stronger.

The song was published in 1923. Since then, it's encouraged millions through financial crises, world wars, moral decline, and pandemics.

God has been faithful to you. Take time this week to dwell on the song's great truth. Thank God for His faithfulness as mentioned in the song. Then, write a fourth verse. Include other examples that describe God's consistent provision in your life. Thank Him for those things.