HYMN STORIES: The Songs We Sing
“Great is Thy Faithfulness”
This Sunday we will open our traditional services with a favorite hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. The phrase “Great is Thy faithfulness” comes from the Bible, specifically Lamentations 3:23. It is a declaration of God’s unchanging reliability and constant presence in our lives. The term “faithfulness” here refers to God’s steadfastness, His unwavering commitment to His promises, and His consistent character. This means that God is dependable and trustworthy, regardless of our circumstances.
The words were written by Thomas Chisholm who was born in Kentucky, 1866. From a young age, Thomas was highly intelligent and ambitious. He became a schoolteacher at the age of sixteen and an associate editor for his hometown newspaper at the age of twenty-one. Though he achieved success in his early years, Thomas found his greatest success at the age of twenty-seven when he became a follower of Christ. From that moment on, he used his intelligence and ambition for God. He became a Methodist minister who dedicated his life fully and was ordained and given a congregation of his own in Scottsville, Kentucky.
In 1903, Thomas started a family by marrying the love of his life: Catherine Vandervere. It seemed to Thomas that his path in life was now set, that he would be a minister for the remainder of his days, but the following years showed him otherwise. Thomas experienced a decline in health during his time as a minister, and in 1909, those health issues forced him to leave his congregation. In the years that followed, financial issues arose as well from numerous hospital bills. Many people would have become bitter with God during a time of health and financial crisis, but Thomas became quite the opposite.
Yes, he was no longer a minister but now had more time to focus on writing hymns. Yes, he had health problems but also had loving support from his wife and two daughters. Yes, he faced financial struggles but found a job selling life insurance, allowing him to keep up with the bills. No matter the struggle, Thomas always chose to see God’s faithfulness.
One of the most wonderful things about being a follower of Christ is the peace that attends even when life is difficult. The hymn, a testament to God’s unchanging nature, was written by a man who suffered prolonged trials in life yet chose to see God’s faithfulness through it all. This hymn, deeply rooted in Scripture, continues to inspire and bless those who sing it!
Shared by Lindrew Johnson, Director of Worship
