Hymns of the Christian faith resonate great wisdom, theological richness and beautiful simplicity. Having grown up in an era when they were the staple diet of my church’s worship services, many still roll off my tongue with ease. Somehow still etched into the recesses of my mind.

Last week, a dear friend, mentor, sister-in-Christ was being honored by those of us she led in Bible studies at our church for over a decade. A bittersweet day as the class gathered to celebrate and express gratitude, but also to say goodbye to such an extraordinary teacher of God’s Word and woman who deeply loves and cares about others.

When asked about some of her favorite hymns . . . no surprise she chose Great is Thy Faithfulness and To God be the Glory. Both perfect pictures of her unfaltering faith in God and her humble spirit. A humble, yet powerful life made so by her deep relationship with God precluding all else.

Seems right that she was still teaching me long after that morning . . . Great is Thy Faithfulness provided my theology for most of this week as it stayed in my brain. As I prayed, pondering some things in my life and admittedly struggling a bit, I determined to focus on God’s faithfulness. God’s awareness of even the hard things in our lives. God’s presence, even when the darkness is not lifted. Even when there are no answers, no more words to ask with, seemingly no hope . . . God indeed is faithful, therefore I have hope.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God my Father . . .

chronic pain is a beast, oh how I need you.

 

There is no shadow of turning with Thee . . .

Jesus, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

 

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not . . .

Forgive me, help me when I fail to believe.

 

As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be . . . 

My body is slow to respond today. Joints throbbing.

Concentration difficult. And yet always . . .

 

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.