Then Sings My Soul

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. (Psalm 22:1-5 ESV). Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg, was enjoying a nice walk through the woods when suddenly, a thunderstorm struck. He sought shelter underneath an ancient oak tree and braced himself from the cold rain and wind. Then, as suddenly as it appeared, the storm subsided, leaving a clear blue sky and the gentle scene of nature at its most glorious. Boberg heard the ring of a church bell in the distance and a feeling of peace enveloped him as the words to one of Christianity’s greatest hymns formed in his heart. First popularized in America by George Beverly Shea, “How Great Thou Art” has been recorded by hundreds of artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Billy Preston, Alan Jackson, and Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. They, along with believers the world over, use these words to honor, glorify, and praise the Creator of the universe. Each year about this time, as we lead into the Christmas season, I encourage you to take a moment to read through the lyrics and make them your own, praising and thanking our magnificent Creator for His marvelous love. The song and its meaning never go out of style! Spend a few minutes and listen to this wonderful old hymn knowing that God is indeed great on your behalf. Here’s the link (and if you want to sing along the lyrics follow): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnvg0OtupuI O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook and feel the gentle breeze. 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. Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! May God grant you the unshakable knowledge that His greatness is on your behalf. He turns all things to our good!