I have vivid memories of singing in church as a child.
When the piano and organ began the introduction to a song I would try to guess the song before the music minister told us what page in the hymnal to turn. Laying my hymnal on the back of the pew bench to prop it up, I would follow the notes on the page if the song wasn’t a familiar one and if it was, I would try to sound out the harmony with my limited knowledge of music. (Sorry mom and dad for not diligently practicing my piano as a child, you’re right I do regret it.)
Great is Thy faithfulness! 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!
As a child singing those words, I didn’t fully understand the depth and meaning of the hymn’s lyrics. But isn’t that how it is? The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.” As a child we can’t truly understand our depravity as humans. And if we can’t understand our depravity then we certainly can’t fully grasp the work that Jesus did for us on the cross. And that’s okay because as a middle-aged Christian I am still learning both of those valuable truths.
But as a child I knew the basics. I knew that God was faithful. I saw it in my family. My father is a pastor and the first few years of my life were full of the fervent prayers of my parents asking God to provide food as they gave their tithe and offering to the Lord. They knew we wouldn’t have enough to eat but they also trusted that God would provide. And He did. It wasn’t always how we envisioned it. There wasn’t a large raise or bonus from the congregation, but there was an occasional wedding or funeral that needed a minister present that ended with a “thank you” check. There was the random bag of groceries left on the porch or cash stuffed into an envelope.
Great is Thy faithfulness. We saw it played out. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
And now as a mom to a one-year-old, I too am trying to teach my son about the One who provides. I see him clasp his hands together before we eat, ready to thank God for the food in front of us. The simple stopping to acknowledge that it is not because of his mommy and daddy that we are able to eat but God who provides our needs. I am not in the same position financially as my parents when it comes to where my next meal might come from but I am in the same position spiritually and it’s my responsibility to teach and lead my little one to see his need for a Savior in the simple and the complex.
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As we all reflect on our thankfulness this season, do not forget the position our hearts are in without the saving work that was done for us on the cross by our Messiah, Jesus. He provides for our every need. From the food on our plate to the work of a new life in Him.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
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