Great is Your Faithfulness

Music and Words by Sue Mepham 2019
The words, have been adapted from lyrics by Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960)

This song was inspired by the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness. The lyrics for this hymn were written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923 and reflect a deep understanding of God’s faithfulness gained over his lifetime, since coming to faith as a young man.

Thomas Chisholm had a way with words, and although he had only received a rudimentary education, he worked at various times as a teacher, editor, minister, and poet. He submitted some of his poetry/lyrics, including Great is Thy Faithfulness, to The Moody Bible Institute. Although it wasn’t the official theme song for the Institute, according to the President of Moody in 1923, ”it was by long odds the most popular.”
The main theme of ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’ is based on Lamentations 3:22–23

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.

Flagstaff 2019: Great is Your Faithfulness

With the idea of adding a little bridge between the verses of the original hymn, I used the phrase ‘Faithful and true’ as a couplet. This description of Jesus can be found in Revelation 10:11

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse
and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True

The verses follow similar themes to the original hymn: God’s faithfulness, comfort, presence, and love. Following verse 2, I have introduced a new section which describes God’s faithfulness amidst the challenges, turmoil and struggles of human life. 

Through raging storm and darkest night
When slowly fades the Spirit’s light
When prayers and hopeful words all fail, You’re faithful
With fragile hearts and troubled minds
We search for truth, in changing times
We turn to You again and find You’re faithful