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

Let's explore the powerful lyrics of "How Great Is Our God," a contemporary worship anthem that has resonated with millions around the world. This song, penned by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Matt Redman, is more than just a catchy tune; it's a profound declaration of God's majesty, power, and love. We'll delve into each verse and chorus, unpacking the scriptural references and the theological significance behind the words. So, buckle up, music lovers, and let's get ready to understand the powerful message of this anthem!

Unpacking the Lyrics Verse by Verse

Verse 1: The Majesty of God Revealed

How Great Is Our God truly starts with a bang, doesn't it? The opening lines, "The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice," immediately paints a picture of God's unrivaled grandeur. We're not just talking about a king; we're talking about the King, the ultimate ruler whose splendor is so immense that it commands the joyful response of the entire earth. This isn't just some polite applause; it's a full-on, exuberant celebration! Think about the imagery here – a king clothed in majesty. It's not just that He has majesty; it's that majesty is woven into the very fabric of His being. It's like saying majesty is His royal robe, His everyday wear. And the call for the earth to rejoice? That's a universal invitation to acknowledge His reign. It's like the song is saying, "Hey world, check this out! There's a King, and He's amazing!" The repetition of "all the earth rejoice" emphasizes the global scope of God's dominion and the universal call to worship. No one is excluded from this invitation; everyone is called to celebrate the greatness of God.

The lyrics continue with, "He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide, and trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice." Now, this is where things get even more epic! Imagine God wrapping Himself in light – light so intense that it makes darkness cower. It's a powerful visual representation of God's holiness and purity. Think of light as truth, goodness, and all things righteous. God isn't just in the light; He is the light, and He uses it as His garment. It's as if He's saying, "Darkness, you have no power here!" The phrase "darkness tries to hide" suggests that evil and negativity are inherently afraid of God's presence. Darkness, in this context, can represent sin, fear, and all the things that stand in opposition to God's will. It's like those shadowy monsters under your bed as a kid – they vanish the second you flick on the light. And the trembling at His voice? That's not just a little shiver; it's a full-blown earthquake of fear! God's voice is so powerful, so authoritative, that even the forces of darkness can't help but tremble. It’s a reminder that God's word is law, and His power is absolute. This isn't a God who whispers; this is a God who speaks with thunder and lightning, and the universe listens. These lines draw upon imagery from the Old Testament, where God's voice is often associated with natural phenomena like thunder and earthquakes, emphasizing His overwhelming power and authority. It's a picture of God's sovereignty, His complete control over all creation. When we sing these words, we're acknowledging that there is no power greater than God's, and that even the forces of darkness are subject to His will.

Chorus: How Great Is Our God!

The chorus is the heart and soul of "How Great Is Our God," isn't it? It's the big, bold, unforgettable statement that encapsulates the entire message of the song. The simple yet profound declaration, "How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God, and all will see, How great, how great is our God," is an invitation to join in a universal chorus of praise. It's not just a statement; it's a call to action. It’s like the song is saying, “Come on, everyone! Let’s shout it from the rooftops! Let’s tell the world just how amazing our God is!” The repetition of "How great is our God" isn't just for emphasis; it's for engagement. It’s like a friendly nudge, encouraging us to really grasp the magnitude of what we're singing. We're not just reciting words; we're proclaiming a truth that should fill our hearts with awe and wonder. The phrase "sing with me" is a beautiful invitation to communal worship. It's a reminder that we're not alone in our adoration of God; we're part of a global community of believers who are united in their praise. It’s the feeling of standing shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters in faith, voices blending together in a powerful anthem of worship. It's not just about singing to God; it's about singing with each other, strengthening our bonds and celebrating our shared faith.

Then comes "and all will see," and that's where the chorus takes on an evangelistic dimension. It's not just about our personal experience of God's greatness; it's about sharing that experience with the world. It’s a confident declaration that God's glory is undeniable and that His greatness will be made known to all. It's like saying,