The Music Beat

January

This Month's Music Beat: Great is Thy Faithfulness

Performed by: Carrie Underwood and CeCe Winans

Music has a way of reaching the heart where words sometimes cannot. The Music Beat is a monthly invitation to slow down, listen, and allow worship to shape the rhythm of each day with God.

Each month NRhythm Devo features one carefully selected song that reflects the spiritual theme of the season to supports prayer, reflection, stillness and those quiet moments with God.

The Music Beat is a way to feel the rhythm as much as read it. Whether you listen once or many times throughout the month, allow the music to gently reinforce what God is already stirring in your heart.

For me, that is exactly why I love music. It does wonders for the soul, body and mind. In fact 1 Samuel 16:23 states "And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. There is something special about the melody that is produced by carefully laid out chords that just syncs with our body's natural rhythm that God gave us.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" originated from a 1923 poem by Thomas O. Chisholm, inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23, and was set to music by William M. Runyan, becoming a beloved hymn reflecting God's unchanging love through life's seasons.

Inspiration & Creation:

  • Biblical Basis:

    The text draws directly from Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".

  • Personal Experience:

    Chisholm's own life, marked by poor health and various jobs (like insurance sales), informed the verses about enduring seasons and constant provision, as seen in lines like "Summer and winter and springtime and harvest".

  • Early Adoption:

    The hymn was first published in Runyan's Songs of Salvation and Service in 1923 and quickly became popular.

  • Legacy:

    "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is celebrated for its simple yet profound message of God's enduring love, becoming one of the most cherished hymns in Christian tradition.

How to use the Music Beat:

  • Press play during prayer, reflection, or stillness

  • Listen while journaling or reading Scripture

  • Return to the song whenever you need grounding

  • Let the theme settle into your heart over time

There’s no right way to engage, only an invitation to be present.

One song. One month. One steady rhythm.