So there’s this old hymn…

You might have heard of it; “How Great Thou Art”?

If you’ve grown up in Christian circles, you’ve definitely heard it. Moreover, you’ve likely sung it a dozen times, or more like 100 times.

It is one of those hymns that’s still hanging on. Despite the writing and distribution of amazing contemporary worship songs, How Great Thou Art shows up regularly in church services all over the world.

Why is that?

Some might say it’s the music; how it builds through each verse and expands with each chorus. I could go with that, but I think the lyrical content is the key to its continued success.

I think How Great Thou Art stays current for a very specific lyrical design. I think we’re still singing How Great Thou Art because it contains the full story of salvation, beginning with God’s handiwork.

1. It starts with creation.

Creation is the one thing that connects everyone. From seniors to Millennials, and across every racial spectrum; creation is wild and beautiful, intricate and boundless.

If you can, please find me someone who looks at a mountain or a sunset and says, “unimpressive, loathsome or dull.” If there is someone, they are in a very insignificant minority. Just read the first verse:

“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.“

Then the second:

“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.“

Creation prepares us for the Cross.

I firmly believe that the Gospel begins with creation. Explaining salvation without referring to, “In the beginning…” is not an adequate description of God’s plan for redemption. (Gen. 1:1)

John’s Gospel account has been extremely effective as a first read for unsaved and/or new believers. Coincidentally, it starts with “In the beginning…” (Jn. 1:1)

How Great Thou Art holds an unsaid, “In the beginning…“

2. Then comes the Cross.

“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.“

3. Then comes heaven.

“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 then proclaim: ‘My God, how great Thou art!’“

The Chorus

Then the chorus echoes our response to each verse:

“Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art.“

May “How Great Thou Art” stand as a reminder of the entirety of Gospel message. (To read the lyrical and musical history of the hymn, “How Great Though Art“, click HERE.)

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

What other hymn comes to mind with continued relevance for our churches? Why will that hymn continue to speak to future generations?