Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Rick Gallagher Lyrics
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There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hands hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own great presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hands hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
Rick Gallagher's song "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is a hymn of trust and gratitude towards God. The opening line "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father" sets the tone for the rest of the song, affirming that God is a dependable and consistent force in the singer's life. The reference to "no shadow of turning" means that God does not change or waver in His commitment and love towards His people. The phrase "Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not" emphasizes God's unchanging nature and his ever-present love and mercy towards humanity.
The song then moves to a joyful praise of God's faithfulness, with the repeated chorus "Great is Thy faithfulness" serving as a reminder of the singer's deep appreciation for God's constant presence in their life. The phrase "Morning by morning, new mercies I see" celebrates the idea that God's love and provision is renewed every day, allowing us to face life's challenges with renewed hope and strength. The second verse of the song uses the imagery of nature to reinforce the idea of God's faithfulness, as the heavenly bodies and all of creation bear witness to His mercy and love.
The final verse speaks of forgiveness, guidance, and hope that God provides to his followers. The singer acknowledges their own sins and shortcomings, yet recognizes that through God's grace they can find lasting peace and strength. With the phrase "Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow," the song looks to the future with hope and confidence in God's constant faithfulness.
Line by Line Meaning
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
The singer acknowledges God's great faithfulness and addresses Him as their Father.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
The singer acknowledges that God is steadfast and unchanging.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
The singer affirms that God's compassion is unwavering and endures forever, despite any changes in circumstances.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be
The artist states that God's constancy and faithfulness will continue throughout eternity.
Great is Thy faithfulness
The artist reiterates that God's faithfulness is great.
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
The singer acknowledges that God's mercies are new every day and renew his/her hope.
All I have needed Thy hands hath provided
The singer acknowledges that God's faithfulness provides for all his/her needs.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
The artist affirms that God's faithfulness extends specifically to them.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
The artist acknowledges God's faithfulness throughout all seasons.
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
The artist acknowledges God's faithfulness in the workings of the universe.
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love
The singer acknowledges that all of creation bears witness to God's faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
The artist acknowledges that God provides forgiveness and lasting peace.
Thine own great presence to cheer and to guide
The singer acknowledges that God's presence brings comfort and guidance.
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
The singer acknowledges that God provides strength for the present and hope for the future.
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
The singer acknowledges that God has blessed them abundantly, beyond measure.
Writer(s): William M. Runyan, Thomas O. Chisholm
Contributed by Grace A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.