What is Great Faithfulness?
At church on Sunday, they sang a song from the hymnbook called, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” The lyrics were by Thomas Obediah Chisholm and music by William Marion Runyan. Although I had difficulty singing along, I paid close attention to the words. My favourite line was, “All I needed Thy hand hath provided.”
This verse resonated with my soul that day. It didn’t say, “All that I wanted” but rather, “All that I needed.” I took a moment to reflect on the last five years of my life and I was taken to my knees in awe and appreciation.
I wish that I had kept a journal of answered prayer. I think this is a brilliant idea. I have kept notes here and there and I have various journals that I write in every day, but I’ve never dedicated one book to just answered prayer.
There are so many little things that I pray for every day. My husband was working on my income tax on the computer when all of a sudden the program kicked him out. Two hours of work – lost. But it was restored within ten minutes without so much as one number out of place – an answer to prayer.
One of my cats was coughing and sneezing. She looked as if she had trouble breathing and took to hiding under a desk. Would she survive the night? Is it just a cold or something much worse like cat leukemia? The vet announced it only a virus – an answer to prayer.
On a four-hour hike with my mother, two aunts and my brother’s mother-in-law, the average age was 65. The terrain was full of obstacles with four fallen trees, raspberry bush thorns, and slippery logs. We made the entire trip without incidence – an answer to prayer.
My daughter had fallen from the monkey bars and landed with an audible crack from her left arm. She cried and complained that she could not move her elbow. Hours (and a full set of x-rays) later showed that it was only a minor fracture – an answer to prayer.
If I were to start a journal, it would fill up rather quickly. I find God’s faithfulness inexhaustible. He is a caring, compassionate and concerned Father. How great is His faithfulness.
“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” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).
Great is thy Faithfulness by Chris Rice
Related articles
- Does God Hear Our Prayers? (familyandfaithmatters.wordpress.com)
- Does God Care for You? (underthecoverofprayer.wordpress.com)
- Faith, Patience and Prayer (revdrotimi.wordpress.com)
Kimberley Payne
Kimberley is a motivational speaker and author. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire people to live lives that glorify God. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com
A great hymn Kimberley, When I was first saved that hymn was sung in my church. I recall working in the hospital with the words ringing in my head all day.
Thanks Mary. Isn’t it wonderful how music can resonate with us? Although I can’t carry a tune I have a real appreciation for music and those who can sing!
Love this hymn, Kimberley. It’s so true, God’s faithfulness is amazing. Thanks for the reminder at the start of my day!
Thanks Janet! Sometimes I wake in the morning with that hymn on my mind. It’s a wonderful way to start the day.
Oh, it would be. I love waking with a worship song; it changes the whole day. Doesn’t happen to me that often, but it’s a real treat.