Many Christian hymns we know and sing today originated from the Holy Bible. The Scripture itself, apart from being the source of all knowledge and wisdom, contains books that pertain to songs. An example is the Book of Psalms. Today’s story features a hymn that came from the Book of Lamentations as it goes below.
“They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23)
The Hymn’s Composition
Yes, the hymn’s title was taken from the above verse. Thomas Chisholm wrote the song’s text while William M. Runyan composed the musical accompaniment. The two have joined forces for the composition of the song in Baldwin, Kansas back in 1923. Originally, Chisholm wrote the hymn as a poem. On that same year, he sent it to Runyan who was connected with a publishing company. Instead of having the poem published right away though, Runyan has set it first to music. After it was released in 1923, the hymn gained popularity among church groups. Moreover, it obtained wider exposure when sung frequently by Bill Graham on his international crusades. In the addition to that, Dr. William Henry Houghton of the Moody Bible Institute performed the hymn regularly.
Below is a live performance of the hymn by Christian music singer Wes Hampton.
A Testament to God’s Faithfulness in an Ordinary Life
There were no special circumstances that led to the writing of the song according to Chisholm. In addition to being a testimony to God’s faithfulness in his ordinary life, Chisholm wrote the song based on the Bible truth. The songwriter shared how simple his life was and not really someone who’s financially well-off. Given his poor health condition, he can only earn a certain amount of income as a life insurance agent. However, Chisholm attested that God never failed to show His faithfulness to him.
“My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must now fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”
So, what’s the moral lesson we can get from Chisholm’s life?
That we don’t really need to see God’s miraculous deeds in the direst times of need before believing in His faithfulness. He is greatly faithful at all times, in the happiest and hardest of situations. His faithfulness never failed and His mercies are new every morning.
Did this piece move you? We would be glad to hear your thoughts or experiences related to the song. Also, please do not forget to hit the like button and share the inspiration with others. And, for your utmost reading pleasure and entertainment, kindly visit our website at https://www.countrythangdaily.com/ or like us on Facebook (Country Daily) and follow us on Twitter @thecountrydaily.
Tags
Bill Graham, Thomas Chisholm, Wes Hampton, William Runyan