How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art – Musical Musings in March (Sabbatical Post)

 

Old and new. There is a special dance between the two. Especially in today’s world. Decorators use the two together. Artists try to make a new item look old. As odd as it may seem, they fit together and can complement one another.

 

sunrise 1-28-15It’s no different with music. There is an emergence of old hymns being combined with new worship music to create pieces that are uplifting to us as well as glorifying God. These songs are helpful for me this month, for I can use multiple songs that are very meaningful and powerful from different eras of my life all at once.

 

I remember as a teenager learning all of the words to “How Great Thou Art” at a youth convention. The worship leader thought it would impress our parents if we could sing this great hymn without hymnals (yes, I grew up with hymnals). I’m not sure if my parents were impressed, but I know that having memorized the verses to this hymn was the beginning to memorizing as many hymns as I could. They have been invaluable to me through the years.

 

So imagine how moving it was the first time we, as a congregation, transitioned from the new worship song, “How Great is Our God” into “How Great Thou Art!” I was brought to tears. Oh, it was powerful. Singing of God’s greatness. Singing of what He is able to do. This melody quickly became a favorite.

 

So today, I bring you the old and the new. The older generations’ version of singing of God’s greatness blended with the new generations’ version. “How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art.”

 

The splendor of the 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 and trembles at His voice

Chorus
How great is our God sing with me
How great is our God all will see
How great, how great is our God

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

Bridge
Name above all names
You are worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

(How Great Thou Art)
Then sings my soul my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art[i]

 

As I read through these words and listen to the song, I suddenly feel the enormous power of this thought. How could I possibly understand God’s greatness? How could words possibly encompass His greatness?

 

I’m not so sure that it’s possible for me, but I do know that King David worked at the process his entire life and penned words to honor God’s greatness. We have some wonderful Psalms to help us express our awe of God’s greatness. Here are just a few.

 

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1 – NIV)

 

“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:8-10 – NIV)

 

“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted.’” (Psalm 40:16 – NIV)

 

“Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you.’” (Psalm 66:3 – NIV)

 

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3 – NIV)

 

Yes, God’s greatness is beyond anything that I could fathom. Just look at our world and all its beauty. The mountains, the valleys, the oceans, the deserts. Each one created very specifically by our great God. The animals, with their differences, were designed by God. Man and woman, created in His image, were given special touches by God’s mighty hands. How could he possibly make it all by just speaking? I don’t know, but He did it.

 

I do know, however, that when I sing of God’s greatness, I am drawn closer to Him. When I worship Him in this way, my life is more in line with His will. As I sing praises to the great and mighty One who has saved me, I am humbled by His power and yet drawn to His gentleness.

 

Today, let’s praise God for His greatness. As we view our world. As we encounter others. As we reflect on our day. Praise God!

 

I pray that you will choose to listen to the song today…you can do so by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art, How Great is Our God, Chris Tomlin, 2004, How Great Thou Art, Stuart K. Hine, 1953.

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