Great Is Thy Faithfulness

The Writing and Composing of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

In 1923, at age 57, Thomas O. Chisholm submitted several of his poems to Reverend William Runyan, a musician for Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Although Ruynan received many poetry submissions, he instantly recognized that one of Chisholm’s poems was special. Of this poem, Runyan later said, “This particular poem held such an appeal that I prayed most earnestly that my tune might carry over its message in a worthy way, and the subsequent history of its use indicates that God answered prayer.” This hymn became known as “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” 

Chisholm and Runyan’s new hymn was instantly loved by all at Moody Bible Institute, even becoming the college’s unofficial hymn. However, it wasn’t until George Beverly Shea sang the hymn at one of Billy Graham’s 1950s crusades that it became nationally famous. Now, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a favorite hymn and incredible inspiration to Christians all over the world. 

Thomas O. Chisholm’s Legacy

Thomas Chisholm was never wealthy, and his life took some unexpected turns. However, he remained faithful and humble through all of life’s circumstances, often referring to himself as “just an old shoe.” 

Over his lifetime, Chisholm wrote nearly 1,200 poems. His faith, optimism, humility, and good cheer can teach us what it means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. We can learn much from both Thomas O. Chisholm’s grateful attitude and his widely acclaimed hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”