Great is Thy Faithfulness
Thomas Chisholm's Sacred and Heart-Lifting Hymn Remains a Favorite
In praise of God, 'Great is Thy Faithfulness,' a hymn written by Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960), is a worship song that uplifts through trials and tough times. It was a result of a writer's daily experiences and realization of God's faithfulness.
The tune is composed by William M. Runyan (1870-1957), with scripture reference from the Bible's Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."
This sacred song has been an all-time favorite among Christians. Popular gospel singer and songwriter Beverley Shea says that it was first introduced to audiences in Great Britain by the Billy Graham Crusades in 1954.
Thomas Obadiah Chisholm was born in a log cabin on July 29, 1866, in Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky. At age 16, Chisholm's career began in the same small country school house he had elementary training. He did not undergo high school or further training. At 21, he became the associate editor of his home town weekly newspaper, The Franklin Favorite.
Chisholm accepted Christ as personal Savior aged 27, during a revival meeting conducted in his hometown by Dr. H. C. Morrison. At Dr. Morrison's invitation Chisholm moved to Louisville to become office editor and business manager of Morrison's publication, the Pentecostal Herald. Later he was ordained a Methodist minister but had only a year of pastoral work due to failing health. After 1909 he became a life insurance agent in Winona Lake and later in Vineland, New Jersey.
In a heart-uplifting letter dated 1941, Thomas O. Chisholm wrote that although his income has not been enough due to his impaired health, he must record the unfailing faithfulness of God for the "wonderful displays of His providing care" and for which he is "filled with astonishing gratefulness."
In 1923 Thomas Chisholm sent several of his poems to the Rev. W. M. Runyan, a musician associated with the Moody Bible Institute and an editor with the Hope Publishing Company.
Thomas Chisholm wrote more than 1200 poems, many of these have become prominent hymn texts, but 'Great is thy Faithfulness' remains his most famous. Many of his poems have also appeared frequently in religious periodicals such as Sunday School Times, Moody Monthly, and Alliance Weekly.
Chorus of 'Great is Thy Faithfulness'
"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!"
Other Featured Best-Loved Hymns:
- Amazing Grace
- Beyond The Sunset
- How Great Thou Art
- It is Well with my Soul
- O Love That WIlt Not Let Me Go
Lyrics and Music
Source:
101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1982)
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lovely Blue Danube
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