Rich Mullins wondered if he had a place in Contemporary Christian music.
Despite struggling to feel like he fit in the artist mold and speaking prophetically about flaws in worship and church cultures, Mullins wrote a song that became as beloved as any song of the past fifty years - “Awesome God.”
Nearly forty years ago, “Awesome God” exploded up the charts with a power that lacked polish but oozed with authenticity. In 2004, CCM Magazine named “Awesome God” the #1 greatest song in Christian music history.
So, when Phil Wickham had the idea to record “What An Awesome God,” it’s no wonder he felt the weight of the song’s beloved history. In an interview, he shared about striving to present a new version full of reverence for the place “Awesome God” has in the hearts of millions, as well as pointing listeners to One the song is about.
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“It’s hard to even describe what it means to me to share a small part of the legacy of this song,” Wickham said about the song. “What started as a fun idea in the studio grew into an unexpected new take on the ‘Awesome God’ story. It has quickly become one of my favorite songs to sing with the church, proudly declaring each night how awesome our God is!”
Wickham’s “What an Awesome God” maintains the chorus of the original song while adding new verses which follow similar themes. The original song echoes the words of 2 Timothy 1:7 (“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”), as it talks about God’s wisdom, power, and love.
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While the word “awesome” has become associated with adjectives like “cool and rad,” the original meaning of the word “awesome” was attached to being overwhelmed by the awe of God. Wickham’s new lyrics seek to convey a renewed sense of awe at the holiness and majesty of God, like Revelation 4:11 records. “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.“
Mullins’ original chorus, preserved by Wickham, functioned similarly as the phrase “His love endures forever” does in Psalm 136, repeating simple words of worship again and again. In the new verses, Wickham’s lyrics echo the word picture presented by Nehemiah in chapter 9. “You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them.”
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As Wickham moves back and forth from his short and punchy new lyrics to the beloved words from Mullins, he moves from God’s character to our experience of God in the future. Near the end of the song, he sings about living with expectancy as believers in Jesus.
“Eyes on the Sky
There will be a day
He will come and wipe our tears away.”
Again, Wickham draws on a beloved passage about the new heavens and new earth from Revelation 21:4.. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
So, why did “Awesome God” steal the hearts of so many believers and why did Wickham choose to share “What an Awesome God” with a new generation?
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First, the song reminds us that God’s glory is beyond our comprehension. There are not enough words in the English language to convey who God is and the awe we have when we consider His majesty.
Second, the song reminds us that God is bigger than the labels we place on Him. While some of us emphasize His holiness and wrath and other focus on his mercy and love, God is all of that and much more, worthy of greater worship!
Third, the song reminds us that a relationship with God is always communal. The chorus could have been written “My god is awesome God, you reign…” but that’s now what the lyrics say. Mullins chose the word “our” rather than “my” intentionally. To sing this song - whether with Rich Mullins or Phil Wickham - is to join together with others who walk through similar struggles, admit their own neediness, and worship the same all-sufficiend God.
As someone who was nervous for this updated song to release, I commend Phil Wickham for reminding me that our God is more awesome than I realize. In an overwhelming time, “What an Awesome God” offers a reset we all need!
Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name in the world. Scott’s writing helps people transform difficult circumstances into places where they can thrive. He leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona, and loves watching movies with his wife and three kids. Today, you can begin Scott’s life-changing project, The 21-Day Gratitude Challenge, for free!
