2023 #2
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5, HCSB).
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a popular hymn that reflects on the faithfulness of God. The lyrics were written by Thomas Chisholm with music by William M. Runyon. It was published in 1923. It is the unofficial hymn of Moody Bible Institute and was made popular due to the song’s frequent inclusion in music services during Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades.
The lyrics begin by saying that God is faithful and that faithfulness does not change. This is one central attribute of God, immutability, the idea that God is not changing. His attributes are sure and consistent, for now and forever. In the second verse, God’s faithfulness is clearly evident in what He has made. This reminds the worshipper of Paul’s first chapter of Romans. Also, the argument for God’s existence from the fine-tuning of the constants and quantities of creation points to God’s faithfulness in creating a world in which humanity can live and thrive and is a witness. Finally, Chisholm points to God’s faithfulness in His provision of forgiveness of the believer’s sins, the presence of God through the Spirit, and the believer’s hope for eternal life.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” should take the third or fourth position in a song service as a hymn of testimony leading into an evangelistic sermon. The last verse, with its proclamation of forgiveness for sin, makes the transition to that sermon.
Follow the link to hear this great hymn sung in a cappella fashion by The Cathedral Quartet.
Mark Riser - Apologist 