Hymn: a song of praise to God. It seems simple, but have you ever read the stories behind the beloved lyrics of your favorite classic hymns?
Each month in 2022 we are sharing the story behind one of our favorite classic hymns. We hope these stories will encourage you and help you worship, just like the hymnist, amid hurt, hope, fear, thanksgiving, joy, or loss.
This month we’re sharing the story behind Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
Thomas O. Chisholm wrote this hymn in 1923 while living in Vinland, New Jersey. Its use was not widespread for several years, until it became a favorite of Dr. Will H. Houghton, president of Moody Bible Institute. Its frequent use in that institute gave it exposure which contributed to its subsequent popularity. FAITHFULNESS was composed for this text by William M. Runyan after he had received the text, along with several others, from Chisholm. It was written in Baldwin, Kansas, in 1923. About this tune, Runyon wrote: “This particular poem held such an appeal that I prayed most earnestly that my tune might carry over its messages in a worthy way” (Reynolds, 1976, 80-81). The phrase “great is thy faithfulness” comes from the Old Testament Book of Lamentations 3:23. Both words and music were published first in Songs of Salvation, compiled by William M. Runyan. Their first appearance in a Southern Baptist hymnal was in the 1956 Baptist Hymnal (Nashville, No. 47)
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.
Refrain:
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!
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. [Refrain]
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! [Refrain]
This story was included in Handbook to The Baptist Hymnal.