There's a wideness in God's mercy

Authors:
Themes:
Scriptures:
  • Psalms 36:5
  • Jeremiah 17:13
  • Hosea 11:8
  • Matthew 20:29-34
  • Matthew 9:27-31
  • Mark 10:46-52
  • Mark 8:22-26
  • Luke 7:21-22
  • John 9:11
  • John 9:25
  • Romans 6:18
  • Romans 6:22-23
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9
Book Number:
  • 251

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy
that is wider than the greatest sea;
and so I know-it covers even me.
There’s a depth to his compassion
that is deeper than I’ll understand;
and so my life is safe within his hands.
His love is deep enough for me,
to cause these blinded eyes to see,
to set this lowly captive free from sin.
His grace is flowing from above,
reflected in the Saviour’s love-
O precious Father, help me take it in.

© 1994 Sovereign Music UK
Geoff Baker

The Father - His Character

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Tune

The story behind the hymn

This song starts with a clear case of 1st-line ‘borrowing’—a practice with a distinguished history but potentially wreaking havoc among the indexes. In 1994 Geoff Baker used this phrase from F W Faber’s Souls of men, why will ye scatter, which in some books starts with stz 3, ‘There’s a wideness …’ The text touches on several Scriptures, beginning with the main sense of Psalm 36:5–6 and Psalm 57.10—if not the detail. The tune composed with the words by the author takes the full title, THERE’S A WIDENESS IN GOD’S MERCY.

A look at the author

Baker, Geoff

A songwriter whose work (including words, tunes and arrangements) began to appear, in the Spring Harvest books and elsewhere, in the 1990s. Living in Leicester, he works with Cross Rhythms, founded in 1983 by Chris and Kay Cole to provide accessible lyrics and music ‘for people who are outside the churches’, without watering down the truth. He has featured in many Christian music festivals as well as arranging music for Graham Kendrick among others. In 2000 he compiled The Keswick Song Book, signalling a new direction in Keswick spirituality. Nos.251, 266, 661, 777, 820, 1262.