|
HOW GREAT THOU
ART
(Note: we had
permission to print the text during Lent but have had to remove
the text after Lent. Refer to your hymnal for the text.)
How can anyone
read the words of this hymn and not be awed at God’s power? How
can anyone not be thrilled at the words?
As a Christian, I
know that everything
—
everything
— is created by our God. This hymn voices my belief in that
God. The writer includes every aspect of our lives and nature: the
forest, the birds, the mountains, the brook, the breeze. In this
era of concerns about the universe, the land, the waters, this
hymn reminds us that God created everything we love. We must be
responsible and take care of these natural creations, if we are
going to honor our God. This hymn could be considered a striving
for ecological perfection.
The hymn also
reminds us that Christ died for us, for our sins. I must agree
with the song: “I scarce can take it in.” How unbelievable
that a man, Jesus Christ, would die for me and my sins. I am truly
blessed. This is truly a God, a Christ for all times, for all
peoples, for all places: a God for the universe. Thus, I sing,
“How great thou art.”
Holy Lord and
God, thank you for the beauty of your universe. Help me to
appreciate not only the gifts of nature, but the true gift of your
son, Jesus Christ. Continue to remind me how great thou art.
Barbara Orsak |
