Verse 1:
Oh 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 pow’r throughout the universe displayed
Chorus:
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
Verse 2:
When though the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sings sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze
Verse Battling Pride:
Too often I, make life so much about me
Each moment lived, for building up my name
I do a task, while hoping someone will see
Please change my thoughts, to focus on Your fame
Verse 3:
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
Verse Christian Humility:
Foolish and void, my old way of life seems now
There’s so much more, as I think of me less
Freedom is found, as my heart now gladly bows
So sweet to have, Christ as my righteousness
Verse 4:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim my God how great Thou art!
“How Great Thou Art” & Our Battle with Pride
Something is great in all of our lives. We get out of bed in the morning for something. Even depression (in most cases) is the mere recognition that that our “something” is not as great as we hoped it would be. The big question of life and worship is, “What ‘great’ thing are we counting on?”
As Christians, we know the answer is (or at least should be) God. Yet our sinful hearts often fill in the blank with pleasure, accomplishment, money, recreation, affection, or approval. In the foolishness of sin, we are deceived (sometimes all too willingly) into believing (because we want to believe) that these things will provide the satisfaction for which our hearts long.
Throughout the history of the church, it has been recognized that pride is one of (if not the) root sin. We think we know better than God what will make us happy and life work. We are bold enough (even if our temperament is timid) to pursue what we think will make life worth-while. Then when it fails we question God; as if He failed or refused to meet our “needs.” We think, “God, I thought you wanted me to be happy. And blank is what makes me happy. Why did you let it fall apart?”
At this point in our prayer, we often do not see our pride. We are too hurt, confused, and frustrated. Yet the types of questions and accusations we are raising against God are the epitome of pride—thinking we know best.
“How Great Thou Art” is a hymn that beautifully challenges this mindset with God’s majesty and grace. God is the Author of life and creation (verses 1 and 2). We pridefully sinned against His created order (verse “pride”). In spite of that God sent His Son to bear the burden of our sin (verse 3). Through humble repentance God restores us to the order and joy He intended (verse “humility”). Life now takes on meaning and is filled with joy as we live to see God’s triumphant kingdom advanced (verse 4).
As you sing, rejoice as you reflect on how God’s majesty and grace delivers us from the destructiveness of our pride. When you are tempted to make life about you, sing this hymn to re-center your life on God.