GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

Sir Godfrey Gregg OHPM, ROMC

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. — Lamentations 3:25-26

One of the most popular hymns of the past one hundred years is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” This hymn, which recounts the faithfulness and mercy of God, was written by a surprisingly sickly and fragile man, Thomas Chisholm. Chisholm spent much of his adult life confined to a bed due to illness. Even in his infirmity, Chisholm recognized that God was faithful and merciful in the face of his sickness. Chisholm understood that God’s faithfulness and mercy were not contingent upon his physical state, impoverished lifestyle, or popularity amongst his peers. Rather than basing God’s faithfulness on his personal comfort, Chisholm concluded that God was faithful based on the promise God gave in Lamentations 3 to deliver mercy to His people each morning!

Like Chisholm, our life circumstances will not always be as favorable as we would like. In these moments, it is necessary that we turn to Scripture and recognize that our circumstances are never greater than the promises God has given us. Each day we open our eyes is an opportunity to experience the faithfulness of God. When suffering and struggle seem to be daily occurrences, we must rest in knowing the eternal faithfulness of God will trump temporary trials.

Like us today we look to the heavens for the answers to our prayer. I am not confined to bed but my heart is sick of this present world. Every day I try to be the best person and with all the struggles of life, I have seen others with a greater burden on their shoulders. Many drowning in their sins and are pressured for their survival. But I am resting on His promises that He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Dear merciful Father, as I face a variety of issues throughout my life, guide me to know Your faithfulness. Thank You for giving me the patience to endure trials and help me see that Your mercy is all I need. Amen.