I went to a funeral today for a coworker’s husband. I really like funerals when they’re done well– it’s a great chance to rejoice in the hope of the gospel at a time when we’re reminded that everything else can easily be stripped away.

The first hymn was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” with the familiar chorus:

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

I watched my coworker sing this song, and realized it would be easy to ask her: Really? All you have needed? Her husband died at 66 of a disease that prevented his muscles from responding to his brain. He was in declining health for over a decade. Now she’s a widow. How can she sing these words?

The answer, for her and for her husband, is in the last verse of the song.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

All you have needed, Aynn? Really? Yes, she would say, and more. Great is His faithfulness.