How Great Thou Art

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

On that particular Sunday, the church service had just begun 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 at church despite the difficulty of getting there. It was evident that this was a lady who had loved and trusted in Jesus for many, many years and one who would finish well when her time on earth was no more. On her face, I saw the assurance that she would one day stand in the presence of the One who had been her comfort, help, and hope. At that moment, she would 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, who has now gone on to Heaven 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 than we can imagine; that we are NEVER too old to serve and praise Him; and that He alone will 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 thanks for those who encourage us and inspire us not only with words but by how 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 Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.