How Great Is Our God Lyrics: Meaning & Story Behind The Song

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of the most powerful worship songs of our time: “How Great Is Our God.” This song, penned by the incredibly talented Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash, isn't just a catchy tune; it's a profound declaration of God's majesty and glory. We’re going to break down the lyrics, explore the meaning behind them, and really understand why this song resonates with so many people around the world. So, grab your favorite beverage, maybe put the song on in the background, and let's get started!

The Opening Verse: Setting the Stage for Worship

When we start singing, "The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty," we're immediately setting the stage for worship. Think about it: the splendor of a King! It paints such a vivid picture of royalty, power, and unmatched glory. Describing God as being “clothed in majesty” isn’t just poetic; it's a way of saying that majesty is intrinsic to His very being. It's not something He puts on or takes off; it's who He is. The imagery here is powerful, evoking a sense of awe and reverence. This line isn't just a pretty phrase; it's an invitation to recognize the unparalleled greatness of God. We’re acknowledging that we’re not talking about an ordinary being here, but the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. It's about understanding that we are approaching someone of immense power and incredible love, a King whose reign is eternal and whose glory fills the earth.

The next line, "Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice," is an invitation, a command even, for the entire world to join in the celebration of God's greatness. It’s inclusive, encompassing every corner of the globe, every nation, every people. The repetition of “all the earth rejoice” emphasizes the universality of this call to worship. It's not just for some people, or those who feel particularly religious; it's for everyone. The earth, in all its beauty and complexity, is called to acknowledge its Creator and find joy in His presence. It's a reminder that God's love and grace extend to all of creation, and that we are all invited to participate in this grand symphony of praise.

And then we sing, "He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide." This line is just breathtaking! Imagine God wrapping Himself in light – a light so brilliant, so pure, that darkness itself tries to flee. This isn't just a beautiful image; it's a powerful statement about God's nature. Light symbolizes truth, purity, goodness, and God's very presence. Darkness, on the other hand, often represents evil, ignorance, and despair. The fact that darkness tries to hide speaks to the overwhelming power and radiance of God's light. It's a metaphorical way of saying that evil cannot stand in the presence of God's holiness. This line is a comforting reminder that God's light is more powerful than any darkness we may face in our lives. It’s a declaration of hope and a testament to the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Chorus: The Heart of the Song

Okay, guys, let's get to the heart of the song – the chorus! This is where the central message of “How Great Is Our God” really shines. When we sing, “How great is our God, sing with me, how great is our God, and all will see how great, how great is our God,” we're not just repeating words; we're making a powerful declaration. This isn’t just a question; it’s an exclamation! It’s an acknowledgment of God’s immense power, His boundless love, and His unmatched glory. The repetition emphasizes the magnitude of His greatness. It’s almost like we can’t fully express how great He is with just a single utterance, so we say it again and again, each time with deeper conviction and awe.

The invitation to “sing with me” is communal. It's a call to join together in worship, to lift our voices as one and proclaim God's greatness. There’s something incredibly powerful about singing together in unity. It creates a sense of connection, not just with each other, but with God Himself. When we sing together, we’re amplifying our praise, creating a chorus of voices that echoes God's glory. It's a reminder that worship isn't a solitary activity; it's something we do together, as a community of believers.

And the phrase “and all will see” is a statement of faith and evangelism. It’s a belief that as we worship, as we proclaim God’s greatness, others will be drawn to Him. Our worship becomes a testimony, a witness to the world of the incredible God we serve. It’s an invitation for others to experience the same joy, the same peace, the same love that we have found in Him. This line is a reminder that our worship isn’t just for ourselves; it’s for the world to see the greatness of God.

Verse 2: The Eternal Nature of God

Moving into the second verse, the lyrics take us even deeper into the character of God. We sing, “Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands.” This line speaks to the eternal nature of God. He isn't bound by time; He exists outside of it. He was there before time began, and He will be there when time ends. This is a mind-blowing concept! It means that God is constant, unchanging, and forever present. In a world that’s constantly shifting and changing, it’s incredibly comforting to know that God remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Time is literally in His hands, highlighting His control and sovereignty over all things.

When we sing, “Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End,” we’re acknowledging God as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. This is a biblical concept, drawn from the book of Revelation, where God declares Himself as the Beginning and the End. It emphasizes His completeness, His totality. He is the source of all things, and He is the ultimate destination of all things. There is nothing outside of His control, nothing that exists apart from Him. The repetition of “Beginning and the End” reinforces the all-encompassing nature of God's existence and power. It’s a reminder that He is the ultimate authority, the One who holds all things together.

And then we sing, “The Godhead, Three in One, Father Spirit Son, the Lion and the Lamb.” This line is a beautiful summary of the Trinity – the Christian doctrine that God is one being, existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s a complex concept, one that theologians have pondered for centuries, but it’s essential to understanding the nature of God. The phrase “Three in One” captures the mystery and the unity of the Godhead. We worship one God who exists in three distinct persons, each with their own unique role and personality, yet perfectly united in love and purpose.

The description of God as “the Lion and the Lamb” is another powerful image. The Lion symbolizes strength, power, and kingship. It evokes images of royalty, majesty, and authority. The Lamb, on the other hand, symbolizes gentleness, sacrifice, and redemption. It reminds us of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was sacrificed for our sins. The combination of these two images – the Lion and the Lamb – captures the multifaceted nature of God. He is both powerful and gentle, both majestic and humble. He is the King who reigns in glory and the Savior who laid down His life for us. This duality is at the heart of the Christian faith, and it’s beautifully expressed in this single line.

Bridge: Naming the Unnameable

Okay, let's talk about the bridge of “How Great Is Our God.” This is where the song really takes off into a realm of pure adoration and wonder. When we sing, “Name above all names, You are worthy of our praise,” we're acknowledging the supreme authority and majesty of God's name. His name isn't just a label; it represents His entire being, His character, His power, and His glory. To say that His name is above all names is to say that He is above all things. There is no name, no power, no authority that can compare to His. This line is a declaration of His ultimate sovereignty. It’s an acknowledgment that He is the highest authority in the universe, the One to whom all honor and glory are due.

The phrase “You are worthy of our praise” is a fundamental statement of worship. It’s not just that we should praise God; it’s that He is worthy of our praise. His worthiness is inherent in His nature, in His character, in everything He has done and continues to do. He is worthy because He is good, because He is loving, because He is just, because He is merciful, because He is holy. Our praise isn’t something we give Him out of obligation; it’s a response to His incredible worthiness. It’s a recognition of who He is and all that He has done for us.

When we sing, “And my heart will sing, how great is our God,” we're making it personal. This isn’t just a corporate declaration; it’s a personal expression of worship. It’s a commitment to let our hearts overflow with praise for God. It’s an acknowledgment that our worship isn’t just something we do with our voices; it’s something that comes from deep within our hearts. Our hearts, filled with gratitude and love, can’t help but sing of God’s greatness. This line is a reminder that worship is a personal encounter with God, a heartfelt response to His amazing grace.

The repetition of “How great is our God” throughout the bridge builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful crescendo of praise. It’s as if we can’t contain our adoration, as if we’re overwhelmed by the magnitude of God’s greatness. The repetition drives home the central message of the song, reinforcing the truth that God is indeed great, beyond measure, beyond comprehension. It’s a declaration that echoes through the heavens, a testament to the eternal glory of God.

Conclusion: A Song That Resonates

So, guys, that's a deep dive into the lyrics of “How Great Is Our God.” This song isn't just a collection of words and notes; it’s a powerful expression of worship, a heartfelt declaration of God’s greatness. From the majestic imagery of the verses to the resounding chorus and the intimate bridge, every line is crafted to draw us closer to God and to help us understand His incredible character. Whether you're singing it in a crowded church or quietly in your own home, the message of “How Great Is Our God” is timeless and universal. It’s a song that resonates because it speaks to the deepest longing of the human heart – the desire to know and worship a God who is truly great. Keep singing, keep praising, and keep letting the world see how great our God is!