HOW GREAT THOU ART

Many poems or hymns are inspired by the personal experiences of their authors.  Often these events of heightened awareness and confirmation of truth lead them to communicate a grateful message through verse. 

The original Swedish text for the hymn, HOW GREAT THOU ART, was written by Reverend Carl Boberg.  His inspiration is said to have come from a visit to a beautiful country estate on the southeast cost of Sweden.  As he was being renewed by the natural beauty around him, he was suddenly caught in a midday thunderstorm with awe inspiring moments of flashing violence.  The storm was immediately followed by a clear brilliant sun during which he heard the calm, sweet songs of the birds in nearby trees.  The experience prompted the pastor to fall to his knees in humble adoration of his mighty God!

Mr. & Mrs.  Stuart Hine first heard this hymn when they ministered to the people of Ukraine.  Based on the 9 stanzas that Boberg had written, Stuart composed the original English lyrics and this fine 20th century hymn was published.  In the early 1950’s, Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea used this hymn in the London, Billy Graham Crusades.  After this exposure, the hymn became universally used and requested around the world.  By 1974 the results of a poll conducted by The Christian Herald magazine indicated that HOW GREAT THOU ART was a favourite of many.