Growing up in church, you hear a lot of songs. We wholeheartedly belt old hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Then maybe we raise our hands in worship with more modern songs like “Goodness of God” and “Holy Forever.” But for the littles among us, it’s the ones with hand motions that get our attention. And for me as a young child, it was the 1988 Rich Mullins song “Awesome God” that stuck with me through childhood and well into adulthood. Now in my 30s, I’m proud to say I still know the hand motions. But today, it’s the message of the song that resonates with me more than the light calisthenics. So when popular artist Phil Wickham decided to release his own refreshed version as “What an Awesome God,” my millennial heart was thrilled… and my arms realized they needed some exercise.
If you’re like me and adore the original song, join us today as we take a deeper dive into Wickham’s new chart-topping version. We’ll look into why Wickham made the song, what he hopes listeners glean from it, and how Scripture repeatedly points to the awesomeness of our God.
Why Did Wickham Want to Write “What an Awesome God”?
The iconic original song is undoubtedly beloved by countless worshipers. But did it actually need a refreshing? Wickham and co-writer Jonathan Smith started with the idea of this new song built on an old one, but weren’t sure whether or not to proceed with it. In a released voice memo to Smith, Wickham makes the case to finish the song. He leans on his own nostalgia to convince his friend that their idea was worth fully producing.
I can't stop thinking of these memories that I have of this song. I remember the first time I heard and learned this song. It was Thursday night, childcare at church during the Thursday night Bible study my parents would lead worship at. I was in childcare, a bunch of kids were like sitting on the carpet and this guy gets on a stool with an acoustic guitar and starts singing this song and says, “I'm gonna teach you guys a song” and sings, “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns…” and all the kids start learning it. We're all singing together. And I remember thinking, I love this song. This song's awesome. And then over the next decade, it just blanketed the global church in praise. And it was one of the first songs I learned how to play as a young worship leader in junior high. And I remember playing in youth group and beach baptisms and bonfires. Just so many beautiful moments that this song was a part of for so many people. And to think of being a small part of the story of this song and just continuing to this chorus, it lights me up. And it would be such an honor, too.
Wickham also then reflects on Scripture and the invitation woven throughout the Bible to worship a truly awesome God…
I was looking through some verses, and I came across this verse, Psalm 95. It says:
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord. Let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving. Let us shout with songs of praise to him.
For the Lord is an awesome God, a great King above all divine beings.
He holds in his hand the lowest parts of the earth. The mountain peaks belong to him.
The sea that he made belongs to him, along with the dry land that his hands formed.
So come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel in the presence of the Lord who made us.
For he is our God. And we are the people of his pasture and the flock and his care.
And I think the verses just need to continue in this same heart. Come, let us worship, for he is an awesome God. And bro, let's finish it. I can't wait.
And we’re so glad that they did.
What’s the Heart Behind “What an Awesome God”?
Following the release of the song, Wickham shares what he hopes listeners get out of the song:
I want to remind you today that our God is an awesome God. He fills oceans and forms mountains. He speaks and stars burst into light. He commands the armies of heaven. He is so huge and transcendent and eternal and yet He knows you and loves you and wants you so badly to be a part of His family He sent His Son on a rescue mission to save you. He is not just awesome in power and majesty, He is awesome in love. And may we turn and worship Him in response for all that He has done, all that He is, and all that He has promised. Our God is an awesome God.
How do we see God’s awesomeness in Scripture?
While some of us may since “What an Awesome God” with awe and conviction, maybe you’re less convinced of this truth. Maybe you’re in a trying season where His awesomeness is more difficult to find. If so, we invite you to be reminded of some of God’s awesome actions and characteristics found in his Word.
He Parts Seas and Makes a Way - Exodus 14:21
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land.”
God made a way where there was no way. When the Israelites stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, God didn’t just deliver them—He split an ocean to do it. He holds the power of Heaven and Earth in the palm of His hand and may soon split the ocean to make a way before you, too.
He Shuts the Mouths of Lions - Daniel 6:22
“My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me…”
When Old Testament prophet Daniel was tossed into the lions’ den, God didn’t remove him from the danger—He showed up in it. And the lions bowed to their Creator. In the midst of your danger today, He still stands beside you.
He Is Clothed in Majesty - Psalm 104:1
“My soul, bless the Lord! Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with majesty and splendor.”
Even when He’s not splitting seas or silencing lions, God is always awesome—simply by being who He is. Awesomeness isn’t just God’s actions, but His unchanging identity far beyond our understanding.
He Is Faithful to Forgive - Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression… You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
What could be more awesome than grace? The holy, righteous, powerful God delights in showing mercy to sinners like you and me. We could never deserve it, but in His incredible love and kindness, He continues to pour it out. What an awesome God, indeed.
Listen to “What an Awesome God” by Phil Wickham
Take a listen to the song then let us know what you think about it in the comments! You can also find out more about Phil Wickham at philwickham.com
