(Penned several weeks ago…)
It’s been six years, almost to the day, since I felt overwhelmed with uncertainties—big ones about my health, my home, my children. Steve and I were spending a month in Austin at the time, and we indulged that Sunday in a Gospel Brunch at the famous-then-defunct-now Threadgill’s BBQ.
I wish I could remember the name of the group singing that morning. And I hope I thanked them when they were done. Their music was beautiful, varied, and entertaining. But it was the lyrics of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” that calmed my soul, particularly this line:
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Today those old uncertainties have long been resolved, recently replaced by new ones that bothered me for several weeks—rather big ones once again. This morning, as if on cue, our church worship band led us in singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” My eyes leaked happy, grateful tears as I surveyed His faithfulness to me over the last 6 years and again over the last ten days. In two short, prayer-soaked weeks so many uncertainties had become items of praise, or at least of peace.
So, I beg you, look past the “thee’s and thou’s” of this grand old hymn and let the lyrics strike at your own uncertainties and fears. Surely, the loving faithfulness of our Father will meet your every need. I’m here to tell you I’ve seen it in my own life.
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.
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!
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!*
*By Thomas Chisholm, now in the public domain
Photo by Victoria Shes on Unsplash
Smoother Sailing 
From the beginning of our in missions, Great Is Thy Faithfulness has encouraged & given us peace at just the right moment – time & time again!! Our Heavenly Father is so very good to us all. Thanks for the challenge, though, as I get weighed down with concerns in life & forget to apply the words, in this lovely song, to day to day concerns. I rejoice with you on yours that have been turned into praise! Thank the Lord for the ones where peace has flooded in, and I pray with you that you will see them turn to praise as well. Love & hugs!
Thank you for your lovely reply. It was like having momentary tea together! You and I share so much more than just our name!
Completely agree, dear friend! Lord willing, we’ll have that cuppa in person sooner than later💜💜💜
Thank you for sharing your story! Great, now that sing will definitely be stuck in my head all day! (If I’m all caught up in the Lords provision, it will be all your fault!)
It gets stuck in my head as well–a very good thing! Thanks once again for your encouraging comments!