How Great is Our God

“God is great.” We say it. We sing in. But once in a while we experience it. And we see a God who’s way bigger than the walls of our church. Who spans generations, demographics, ethnicity and denominations. Who simply Is. In those moments our souls see Truth and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, we’re undeniably connected by something—someone—amazing.

That’s how it was on Sunday night when my two girlfriends and I went to the Chris Tomlin concert. People of all ages and walks of life, including some of my other church friends, joined together in a Philadelphia nightclub (where who-knows-what went on the other six nights of the week) to hear this phenomenal talent and modern-day hymnist do what he does best. We were strangers united by praise.

Chris Tomlin has a heart for worship that’s intoxicating. The crowd enthusiastically clapped and sang along to every song. For over two hours, the band held us captive to His presence.

If you didn’t know, Chris Tomlin wrote the beloved worship anthem, “How Great is Our God” and has sung it all over the world, in many different languages. There’s something about his simple lyrics that binds our souls to the Almighty in a way few songs do.

As I joined the crowd singing with full voice and hands raised, I realized this song woven into the fabric of my Christian walk. I recalled all the different places, and with all the different brothers and sisters in Christ with which I’ve sung it:

• First, as a new believer in an Alpha course where I received the words, so fresh and vibrant.

Then, in the years that followed:

• with my church family on many occassions,
• with future Alpha classes as I helped shepherd new believers,
• with tens of thousands of women at Women of Faith conferences,
• with 30,000 youth at Creation Northeast,
• around the campfire as my husband strummed it on his guitar,
• in my car as I sang along with the radio,
• and most recently with the inmates we minister in prison.

One song. One voice. One God. One amazing Love.

How great is our God that no matter how different we may look, worship, live, or speak, we are bound together, you and I, by the only One who can bridge our sometimes massive difference. When I stop to ponder its magnitude, the power of the cross leaves me breathless.

“The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, 'That's mine; you can't have it.' They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.” (Acts 4:32-33, Message)

On Sunday night, as I have on all those other occasions, I marveled in the awesome fact, that though my life is just a speck in this world, the God of the universe will receive me in His presence.

Watch this video and take a moment to worship the God who was, and is, and always will be. And marvel in the reality, that as a follower of Christ, you are part of the story.

Chris Tomlin, “How Great is Our God”


Random Concert Quote:
“You don’t have it all together. And I don’t have it all together.
But we have a God who HOLDS it all together.”
-- As said by Chris Tomlin on 1/25/08 at the Electric Factory in Phila.