It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning:
great is thy faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV)
Thomas Chisholm (1866-1960), the author of the lyrics of the hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, was just an ordinary man with an extraordinary gift of poetry. Born of humble means in a log cabin in Kentucky, Chisholm wrote poems that expressed his faith in God. Throughout the course of his life, he wrote more than 1200 poems, 800 of which were published and with some set to music.
Chisholm became a Christian at the age of 27 and an ordained minister at the age of 37. He served as a pastor in Scottsville, Kentucky, for only one year due to poor health and then sold insurance until he retired.
Through it all, God showed His faithfulness to Thomas Chisholm. His life was a simple one, yet he allowed God to use him in a powerful way. Today, the words to this hymn ring out in many churches across the world declaring the faithfulness of God.
"Great Is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!"
- Thomas Chisholm