In 1988 Rich Mullins published the song, “Awesome God”: Our God is an awesome God, He reigns in heaven above, With wisdom, power, and love, Our God is an awesome God!
Of course, some years ago the adjective “awesome” was, shall we say, overused. And worn out. When everything is awesome, what does the word really mean? Good question. But if the term feels outdated or empty, don’t bypass this vital biblical concept.
Think of some of the ways the Bible shows that God is awesome:
- King David cries out in heartfelt praise to God, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11). What a God!
- David offers several pictures of God: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1-2).
- The messianic child to be born and reign over God’s people forever is described in striking terms: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
- After scaling the lofty theological peaks of divine sovereignty, the Apostle Paul exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:33-36).
It’s true, gloriously true: Our God is an awesome God. Bow in wonder, thanks, and joyful devotion before him!
