This past Sunday in church we sang one of the best Christian hymns of all times: “How Great Thou Art”. My wife showed me her arms with goose bumps, as I raised my arms while singing it.
Even though the poem was originally written in Swedish in 1885 (C. Boberg), it was translated to English in the version we know now in 1948 (S. Hine). Many of us heard it in the 60’s during the Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusades in the voice of George Beverly Shea.
The lyrics are amazing, and generate a humble adoration of our great Lord.
Billy Graham once said: “The reason I like ‘How Great Thou Art’ is because it glorifies God. It turns Christians’ eyes toward God, rather than upon themselves.”
Maybe because of all the trials of our life here, the last verse particularly talked to me this Sunday:
“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!”
When I looked for a video to add here, I found out that there were 388,000 results. This song has been recorded by many artists from Elvis Presley to Carrie Underwood, and has touched many lives. It is definitely inspired.
If you can, click on the link below, to listen to this hymn, as you read the lyrics. It is majestic.
If you are older than 50, you may want to remember this version: