How Great Thou Art

“…though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy1:13-14 ESV)

Unable to attend worship today, I sat silently, nose in Bible and coffee in hand, listening to a music provider play “hymns on piano.” When the song came on, I stopped everything I was doing. “How Great Thou Art.” One of my favorite songs; the words ran through my head. I was overwhelmed with the Spirit.

I was like Paul, just like you were. Insolent, selfish, and a blasphemer, I gave no thought to God, only the world. As I sat there, I thought of the grace passed to me by Christ and was overcome with tears. The goodness of Christ is overwhelming.

When you realize your depravity and the mercy you received, you cannot help but be overwhelmed emotionally. How Great Thou Art…

“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.” 1

Hearing that song, my troubled soul remembered the gospel, and the grace of Christ overflowed my cup. Just as Paul wrote to Timothy, the gospel is the mercy and grace of Christ passed to us to make our righteousness before God. Without this grace, we could never turn from our sins; we would remain dead in them with no hope for salvation. Thinking deeply about this and genuinely listening to the words of this song, not just repeating them but falling deep into them, will move you to tears. But God….

Do you know God this way? Deeply, emotionally, gratefully, and in awe of His power and might. If not, reach out to us here at In Messiah. We can help you find Christ and, in Him, the salvation that only Jesus can provide.

Grace and Peace.

1 Carl Boberg, “O Store Gud” (How Great Thou Art), Sweden, 1886