How Great Thou Art

 

 A few weeks ago, our church service began with the congregation singing the hymn, “How Great Thou Art.”  As the meaningful words to this song were lifted high in adoration to God, a beautiful sight brought tears to my eyes and deeply touched my heart.  There, in the back of the church, slowly making her way to a pew was one of our dear seniors, a sweet lady whose smile has always been contagious.  The main thing that brought my attention to her was not the fact that this precious lady was using a walker to maneuver her way into the church, but rather it was the joy on her face as she sang the words of the song.  Her countenance reflected not only joy, but a commitment to be in church in spite of the difficulty of getting there.  It was evident that this is a lady who has loved and trusted in Jesus for many, many years, and one who is going to finish well when her time on earth is no more. On her face was the assurance that she will one day stand in the presence of the One who has been her comfort, help, and hope.   At that moment, she will hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 There was no question that she was confident of the “greatness” of God.

This dear lady encouraged me that Sunday morning without knowing it.  Moments like this remind me what a wonderful thing it is to be a child of God!  I am also reminded that He is bigger than any problem or frailty we might have; that He will never leave us or forsake us, whether we are young or old; that His love for us encompasses more that we can possibly imagine; that we are NEVER too old to serve and praise Him; and that He alone with give us strength, wisdom, and the commitment to live out our lives in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Prayer:  Dear God, indeed, how great Thou art! Thank you for being with us all the days of our life, and for the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We give you thanks for others who encourage us and inspire us not only with words, but by the manner in which they live their lives. Help us to be strong in our faith and love for others, as we commit everything that we are and ever hope to be to You alone.  I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus.   Amen.

 

How Great Thou Art

O, Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

 

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. 

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin. 

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart;

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And there proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” 

Chorus:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!