The Inspiring Story and Enduring Legacy of the Beloved Hymn "How Great Thou Art"

The Inspiring Story Behind the Hymn "How Great Thou Art"

Of all the beloved hymns and worship songs that stir the soul, "How Great Thou Art" stands out for its powerful lyrics and melodic, soaring choruses praising God. This staple hymn of the Christian faith has a fascinating backstory rooted in struggle, turbulence and ultimately, renewed faith.

The Origins of "How Great Thou Art"

"How Great Thou Art" began taking shape in the mid-1880s when Swedish preacher Carl Gustav Boberg wrote a poem titled "O Store Gud" ("O Great God"). According to reports, Boberg was caught in a thunderstorm and awestruck by the immense power of nature revealing the majesty of God. His spirit soared with new understanding of God's greatness.

Inspired by this revelation, Boberg put his experience into words in the 9-stanza poem beginning with the lines "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the works Thy Hands have made." This poem became the basis for the hymn "How Great Thou Art" as we know it today.

Bringing the Hymn to Global Recognition

While Boberg's locally published poem garnered some recognition in Sweden in the late 1800s, it was British missionary Stuart K. Hine who helped take "How Great Thou Art" to the global stage years later.

In the early 1900s, Hine was ministering in Ukraine when he heard the Russian translation of Boberg's poem set to an old Swedish folk melody. Deeply moved by the lyrics and music, he brought the song back to England and wrote his own English lyrics inspired by the original.

The hymn began to spread as Hine incorporated it into evangelistic crusades he led throughout Britain and eventually to global audiences. His passion for praising the greatness of God is evident through the Trinitarian-focused lyrics and exalting vocal melodies that dynamically build with each verse.

The Impact of "How Great Thou Art" Today

"How Great Thou Art" continues to captivate listeners unlike few other hymns. It exalts God's character and mighty works in creation in a way that transcends cultures and backgrounds.

The hymn has been translated into well over 100 languages, covered by artists across genres, and sung by millions in churches worldwide. It was voted the United Kingdom's favorite hymn in BBC Songs of Praise and continues to top surveys of favorite hymns on both sides of the Atlantic.

The enduring legacy of "How Great Thou Art" is its ability to renew awe and wonder at the majesty of God expressed through uplifting lyrics. Lines like "Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!" beautifully capture the pairing of intimate worship with mighty praise.

Reflecting on the Message of "How Great Thou Art"

What makes "How Great Thou Art" such a enduring hymn? At its core is a testament to God's greatness that transcends circumstance. Inspired by creation and renewed faith, it calls listeners to personal worship and adoration of the Lord.

The hymn perfectly captures the psalmist's cry in Psalm 104:1: "Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty."

In a complex world filled with trials and sorrow, "How Great Thou Art" reminds believers of the one constant foundation - hope in the eternal greatness and love of God. It invites the church to lift their voices as one body in worship of the Creator who reigns in majesty.

The hymn's simple yet powerful call to worship has resonated across generations and will continue inspiring praise for years to come. In singing "How Great Thou Art," believers are carried back to foundational truths about God's greatness that transform perspective from temporary struggles to the eternal joy found in Christ.

FAQs

Who wrote the lyrics to "How Great Thou Art"?

The original lyrics were written as a poem in Swedish in 1885 by Carl Boberg titled “O Store Gud.” English lyrics were later written by British missionary Stuart K. Hine based on the Russian translation of Boberg’s poem.

What inspired the lyrics of “How Great Thou Art”?

According to reports, Carl Boberg was inspired to write the original poem after being caught in a thunderstorm and struck by the power and majesty of God revealed through nature.

What is the main theme of “How Great Thou Art”?

The hymn focuses on praising the greatness and majesty of God, inspired by awe at creation and God's mighty works.

Which version of “How Great Thou Art” is most well known?

The English version most commonly sung today with verses such as “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!” was penned by Stuart K. Hine in the early 1900s.

Why does “How Great Thou Art” remain such a beloved hymn?

Its poetic lyrics and soaring melody beautifully express awe at God's majesty and greatness. The hymn invites personal and corporate worship which transcends generations and cultures.