Title: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Carrie Underwood) 1 Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my FatherThere is no shadow of turning with TheeThou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail notAs Thou hast been, Thou forever will be Great is Thy faithfulnessGreat is Thy faithfulnessMorning by morning new mercies I seeAll I have needed Thy hand hath providedGreat is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me 2 Summer and winter and springtime and harvestSun, moon and stars in their courses aboveJoin with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love 3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endurethThine own dear presence to cheer and to guideStrength for today and bright hope for tomorrowBlessings all mine with 10, 000 beside
About The Hymn
The hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a timeless Christian song of gratitude and worship, written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923 and set to music by William M. Runyan. Inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23, the hymn celebrates God’s unchanging faithfulness, His mercies that are new every morning, and His abundant provision for every aspect of life.
Verse 1: A Declaration of God’s Faithfulness
The opening verse begins with a simple yet profound declaration: “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.” This line acknowledges God’s unwavering reliability and His fatherly care. It reflects a personal relationship with God as a loving Father, emphasizing His trustworthiness and steadfastness.
The second line, “There is no shadow of turning with Thee,” highlights God’s unchanging nature. Unlike humans, who are prone to change and inconsistency, God is constant. This imagery draws from James 1:17, which describes God as the “Father of lights” with no variation or shifting shadow.
The verse continues with “Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not.” This reinforces the idea of God’s enduring compassion and mercy. His love for His people remains steadfast, no matter the circumstances. The final line, “As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be,” ties it all together by affirming that God’s character and faithfulness are eternal. This is a comforting reminder of His unchanging nature across all generations.
Verse 2: God’s Provision in Creation
The second verse shifts focus to God’s faithfulness as demonstrated in creation. It opens with, “Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,” acknowledging the natural order of the seasons. This reflects the reliability and consistency of God’s providence, as each season fulfills its purpose in the cycle of life. It also echoes Genesis 8:22, which promises that as long as the earth remains, the seasons will endure.
The next lines, “Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,” point to the heavens as further evidence of God’s faithfulness. The celestial bodies move with precision, governed by God’s sovereign hand, a testament to His order and reliability.
The verse concludes with “Join with all nature in manifold witness / To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.” Here, the hymn invites all of creation to join in testifying to God’s attributes. The natural world, in its beauty and order, becomes a witness to God’s goodness and steadfast love, reminding us of His care for all He has made.
Verse 3: God’s Faithfulness in Daily Life
The third verse brings the focus to the personal experience of God’s faithfulness in the life of the believer. It begins with, “Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,” highlighting two of God’s greatest gifts to His people. Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers receive forgiveness for their sins, leading to an enduring peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
The next line, “Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,” speaks of God’s comforting presence in our lives. This assurance of His nearness brings joy and guidance, reminding us that we are never alone.
The hymn continues with “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,” a powerful expression of God’s provision for both the present and the future. He provides the strength needed to face each day’s challenges and instills hope for the days to come.
Finally, the verse concludes with, “Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!” This exclamation of gratitude acknowledges the countless blessings God bestows. It reflects the overflowing abundance of His grace, which exceeds all expectations.
The Refrain: A Joyful Affirmation
The refrain, repeated after each verse, serves as the hymn’s anchor:
“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!”
This joyful affirmation encapsulates the central message of the hymn. It acknowledges the daily renewal of God’s mercies, as described in Lamentations 3:22-23. The refrain also emphasizes God’s provision, stating that all our needs are met through His faithful care. It ends with a personal note of gratitude, making the hymn deeply intimate and relatable.
Overall Message and Significance
Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a hymn of profound gratitude, celebrating the unchanging nature of God and His abundant provision for every aspect of life. It resonates with the truths of Scripture, particularly Lamentations 3:22-23, which proclaims:
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
The hymn’s beauty lies in its simplicity and universality. It speaks to believers in all seasons of life—whether in joy, sorrow, abundance, or need. It reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in His eternal nature.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness has become a cherished hymn in Christian worship, often sung in moments of reflection, celebration, and thanksgiving. Its timeless message of God’s steadfast love and care continues to inspire and comfort believers, drawing their hearts to worship the One who is always faithful.