What do you do in the middle of the night when you cannot sleep? One of my favorite hymns is Great Is Thy Faithfulness. I often find myself singing it the nights when I have trouble falling asleep. It is a powerful song that switches my focus from the things of the world to praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done for me. In the quiet of the darkness, its words bring peace to my soul.
The lyrics were written by Thomas Chisholm, a man with no formal education, who nonetheless became a newspaper editor and later a pastor. Thomas wrote over 1200 poems throughout his life, many of which were set to music. When hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck set the poem to music it immediately became a favorite. The basis for the refrain comes from Lamentations 3:23. It soundly declares God’s unchanging faithfulness – “…all I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.” It fiercely proclaims God’s unchanging nature and endless mercy; how all of creation bears witness to his faithfulness.
THE MEANING OF FAITHFULNESS
Faithfulness is a fundamental attribute of God. It means that we can trust that God will do what he says he will do. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God speaks the truth and is quick to forgive. The Heavenly Father is our steady rock in times of trouble. When life takes you on a roller coaster ride, God is there to stop the car and put you back on solid ground. He is steadfast; the only sure thing onto which we must hold. His love for us will never end.
NO END TO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
God’s faithfulness is evident in all of Scripture, from his covenant with Abraham to Christ’s resurrection and promise of his second coming. There is no end to God’s faithfulness; it goes on forevermore. “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds”. (Psalm 36:5) In response, we are called to be faithful to God, to hold onto the hope of Christ’s work on our behalf. We are to remain rooted in the truth, without wavering, because of God’s steadfastness. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for he who promised is faithful”. (Hebrews 10:23)
TAKE A MOMENT
Take a moment to meditate on all the ways that God has been faithful to you. He is worthy of our undying devotion. Sing your praises to God for his unending love and faithfulness. “All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” (Psalm 66:4)
THE CHOICE
Every new day is a gift from God. Choose to wake up in the morning with a thankful heart. Let your heart become so full of adoration for our Lord that a song of praise springs from your lips. Hum a favorite hymn while you go about your daily chores. God made us to praise Him. He delights in our worship and is worthy of our adoration. Join all the earth as it worships God and sings praises to Him. Choosing to consciously sing praises to God’s name can become your new lullaby in the middle of the night.