Hi, friends. Today, I am starting a new series of posts. I enjoy researching and analyzing worship music as a Christian and an English grad (usually hymns). “Story Behind” posts include background on the author and a devotional. “Worship Music Mini” posts will be shorter and less in-depth. Instead of providing author background and a devotional, they’ll do one of a few things–connect the song to a Bible verse, tell a cool story related to the song’s history, focus on a line that strikes me, etc.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
I’ve sung this one in church for years and only recently realized these lyrics are directly based in scripture. The words are simply beautiful. It’s becoming one of my favorite hymns.
The Book of Lamentations is a collection of poetic writings mourning the destruction of Jerusalem. In the midst of woe, this still rings true…
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23, NRSV)
Lyrics:
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 will 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
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
I love the chorus of this song; forgive my ignorance on musical terms, but I love how the two iterations of “Great is thy faithfulness” make a powerful punch and build up to the “Morning by morning” line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry4Tb_B6KGc
Thanks for reading! God bless you!
Retrospective Lily 
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