How Great Is Our God Lyrics: Meaning And Story Behind The Song
Introduction
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most powerful and beloved worship songs of our time: "How Great Is Our God." This anthem, penned by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves, has resonated with millions around the globe. Its simple yet profound lyrics, combined with a soaring melody, create an atmosphere of awe and reverence. In this article, we're going to break down the lyrics line by line, exploring the meaning behind them and why this song has such a special place in the hearts of so many. How great is our God, indeed! We'll uncover the scriptural references and the theological truths embedded in this modern classic, so grab your Bibles, get comfy, and let's get started!
Verse 1: The Majesty of God
Okay, let's kick things off with the very first verse, which sets the tone for the entire song. The lyrics go like this:
The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice
This opening verse is all about God's incredible majesty and power. When we sing about the splendor of a King, we're not just talking about earthly royalty; we're talking about the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. The imagery of being "clothed in majesty" speaks volumes about His inherent glory and grandeur. Think about it – God isn't just powerful; He is power itself. This isn't a power that's been given to Him; it's an essential part of His being. The phrase "let all the earth rejoice" is an invitation, a call to all creation to celebrate this magnificent God. It's a reminder that worship isn't just a personal thing; it's a universal response to the greatness of God.
Now, let's dig into the next line: "He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide." This is such a vivid picture! Light, in the Bible, is often associated with goodness, truth, and God's presence. The fact that God "wraps Himself in light" suggests that light emanates from Him; it's part of His very nature. And what happens when light shines brightly? Darkness has no choice but to flee. This isn't just a physical concept; it's a spiritual one too. When God's light shines, the darkness of sin, fear, and despair is pushed back. The final line of this verse, "and trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice," really drives home the sheer power of God. The image of darkness trembling speaks of God's ultimate authority. It's a reminder that there's no force in the universe that can stand against Him. Even the forces of darkness recognize His might and power. So, when we sing this verse, we're acknowledging that God is not just powerful, but He's supremely powerful, and all creation, including the darkness, acknowledges this fact.
Chorus: How Great Is Our God
Next up, we have the chorus, which is arguably the heart and soul of the song. It's the part that gets everyone singing along, and for good reason! The chorus goes like this:
How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God
This chorus is simple, yet profound. It's a bold declaration of faith, an invitation to join in the chorus of praise that echoes throughout eternity. When we sing "How great is our God," we're not just making a statement; we're expressing a heartfelt conviction. It's a moment where we're acknowledging God's greatness, His majesty, His power, and His love. The phrase "sing with me" is such a beautiful invitation. It's an inclusive call to worship, encouraging everyone to join in the celebration of God's greatness. It's a reminder that worship isn't a solitary activity; it's something we do together, as a community of believers.
And then we have the line, "How great is our God, and all will see." This is a prophetic statement, a declaration of faith that one day, everyone will recognize God's greatness. It's a reminder that our worship isn't just for ourselves; it's a witness to the world. When we boldly proclaim God's greatness, we're planting seeds of faith in the hearts of those around us. The repetition of "How great, how great is our God" is like an emphatic exclamation point. It's a way of underscoring the immense, unfathomable greatness of God. There are no words that can fully capture His glory, but this simple phrase comes pretty darn close. When we sing this chorus, we're not just singing words; we're making a powerful declaration of faith, inviting others to join us in recognizing the greatness of our God. It's a moment of unity, a moment of praise, and a moment of profound truth.
Verse 2: The Mystery of the Trinity
Okay, let's move on to the second verse, which delves into some pretty deep theological waters. It's a verse that speaks of the Trinity, the mysterious and beautiful truth that God is one, yet exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The lyrics go like this:
Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End The Godhead Three in One, Father Spirit Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb
This verse is packed with powerful imagery and profound theological truths. The opening line, "Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands," speaks of God's eternal nature. He's not bound by time; He exists outside of it. He's the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. This is a powerful reminder that God's perspective is far beyond our own. He sees the big picture, the entire sweep of history, from beginning to end. He's not just a part of our lives; He's the author of time itself.
Then we get to the heart of the verse: "The Godhead Three in One, Father Spirit Son." This is where the song touches on the doctrine of the Trinity. It's a concept that's hard to fully grasp, but it's a core belief of Christianity. God is one, but He exists in three distinct persons. It's a mystery, but it's a glorious mystery. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, yet there is only one God. The final line of the verse, "The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb," is another powerful image. It speaks of the dual nature of Jesus Christ. He's the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings, powerful and majestic. But He's also the Lamb of God, the sacrificial offering who takes away the sins of the world. This combination of strength and gentleness, power and sacrifice, is at the heart of the Christian faith. So, when we sing this verse, we're not just singing about God's eternal nature; we're also celebrating the mystery of the Trinity and the multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ.
Bridge: God Is the Greatest Name
Now, let's talk about the bridge, which is like the emotional high point of the song. It's the part where the worship really builds, and we're invited to proclaim the name of Jesus. The lyrics go like this:
Name above all names, You're worthy of our praise My heart will sing, How great is our God
This bridge is a powerful declaration of the supremacy of Jesus' name. When we sing "Name above all names," we're acknowledging that there's no name higher, no name more powerful, no name more deserving of our worship than the name of Jesus. The phrase "You're worthy of our praise" is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and adoration. It's a recognition that God isn't just great; He's worthy of all our praise, all our worship, all our devotion. He deserves our everything.
The final line of the bridge, "My heart will sing, How great is our God," is a personal commitment. It's not just a general statement; it's a declaration from the heart. It's a promise that, no matter what, our hearts will sing of God's greatness. This bridge is a powerful reminder that worship is personal. It's not just something we do in church; it's something that flows from our hearts every day. It's a response to God's greatness, His love, and His faithfulness. When we sing this bridge, we're making a conscious decision to lift up the name of Jesus and to let our hearts overflow with praise for how great is our God.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the lyrics of "How Great Is Our God." This song is more than just a catchy tune; it's a powerful expression of faith, a celebration of God's greatness, and an invitation to worship. From the majesty of the King to the mystery of the Trinity, from the Lion and the Lamb to the name above all names, this song captures the essence of who God is and why He's worthy of our praise. The lyrics of "How great is our God" remind us of the incredible power and majesty of our God. They invite us to rejoice in His splendor and to proclaim His greatness to the world. This song has become an anthem for believers worldwide, and for good reason. It’s a simple yet profound expression of faith that resonates deeply with the human spirit. When we sing "How great is our God," we are joining a chorus that spans generations and transcends cultures.
So, the next time you sing "How Great Is Our God," I hope you'll remember the meaning behind the lyrics and let your heart overflow with worship. Let's continue to sing, to praise, and to declare to the world just how great our God is! Remember, worship is more than just singing words; it's a heartfelt response to the greatness of God. It's a way of connecting with Him, of expressing our love and gratitude, and of acknowledging His rightful place in our lives. And when we worship together, we create a powerful atmosphere of faith and unity. So, let's keep singing, keep praising, and keep declaring the greatness of our God. He is worthy of all our praise!
