Donnie McClurkin - Awesome God Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus:
Our God is an awesome God,
He reigns from heaven above
with wisdom, power, and love;
our God is an awesome God. (repeat)
Verse 1:
When He rolls up His sleeves,
He ain't just putting on the ritz,
(our God is an awesome God)
There is thunder in His footsteps
and lightning in His fists
(our God is an awesome God)
The Lord wasn't joking when He kicked them out of Eden,
it wasn't for no reason that He shed His blood,
Coming soon, you better be believing
(our God is an awesome God)
Chorus
Verse 2:
When the sky was starless in the void of the night,
(our God is an awesome God),
He spoke into the darkness and created the light,
(our God is an awesome God).
Judgment and wrath He poured out on Sodom,
mercy and grace, He gave us at the cross;
hope that you have not too quickly forgotten that
(our God is an awesome God)
Chorus
Vamp:
Our God is an awesome God.
Ending:
Our God is an awesome God.
Video
Awesome God
Meaning & Inspiration
Donnie McClurkin’s impactful rendition of "Awesome God" was released on May 17, 2005, as a highlight from his album, *Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs*. While the song was originally penned and performed by Rich Mullins, McClurkin’s interpretation breathes new life into its profound message, particularly within the context of contemporary gospel music. His powerful vocal delivery and worship-leading style transform the anthem into a vibrant declaration of divine majesty, inviting congregations and individuals alike to reflect on the multifaceted nature of God’s character as presented in Scripture. The song’s essence is a straightforward, yet deeply theological, proclamation: God is supreme, unparalleled in His might, wisdom, and love, actively involved in creation, judgment, and redemption.
The core message, reiterated in the timeless chorus, "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love," serves as the song's spiritual anchor. The term "awesome" here transcends casual admiration, pointing instead to a holy reverence, an overwhelming sense of wonder and fear before the Creator. This reflects the biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty, where He is not merely a distant observer but the active ruler of all things, His reign characterized by perfect wisdom (Proverbs 3:19), boundless power (Jeremiah 32:17), and unfathomable love (1 John 4:8). It’s a foundational truth meant to ground every believer’s worldview.
Verse one plunges into vivid imagery, portraying God as a formidable and engaged deity: "When He rolls up His sleeves, He ain't just putting on the ritz, There is thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fists." This powerful description evokes a God who is not passive but intensely purposeful and active, a being whose very presence commands the forces of nature, reminiscent of the thunder and lightning that accompanied God’s appearance at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). The lyrics then swiftly transition to God’s unwavering justice and redemptive plan, reminding us that "The Lord wasn't joking when He kicked them out of Eden." This directly references the Genesis account of humanity’s fall, underscoring God’s holiness and the gravity of sin, which necessitated separation from His presence (Genesis 3:23-24). Yet, the narrative immediately pivots to grace: "it wasn't for no reason that He shed His blood," a clear and profound reference to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, demonstrating that God’s justice is ultimately fulfilled through His sacrificial love (Romans 5:8, Hebrews 9:22). The verse concludes with an urgent call to faith, pointing to Christ's promised return: "Coming soon, you better be believing," a reminder of the Second Coming and the eternal hope it offers (Revelation 1:7).
Verse two continues to illustrate God’s awesomeness through contrasting displays of His power and nature. It begins with a majestic portrayal of creation: "When the sky was starless in the void of the night, He spoke into the darkness and created the light." This is a direct echo of the Genesis creation narrative, where God’s spoken word brought order out of chaos and light into existence, highlighting His absolute creative authority (Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 33:6). The song then masterfully juxtaposes God’s judgment with His mercy: "Judgment and wrath He poured out on Sodom, mercy and grace, He gave us at the cross." The destruction of Sodom serves as a stark reminder of God’s righteous judgment against sin, demonstrating His severity (Genesis 19, Romans 11:22). Immediately, this severe justice is balanced by the ultimate act of divine love and grace extended at the cross, where humanity found forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Ephesians 2:8-9). This powerful contrast beautifully encapsulates the Christian understanding of God as both just and the justifier (Romans 3:26).
Ultimately, Donnie McClurkin's performance of "Awesome God" serves as a robust theological statement and a worshipful exhortation. It consistently directs attention to the unchangeable character of God, revealed through His actions in history and His promises for the future. The song encourages a deeper understanding of God’s nature – His power in creation, His justice in judgment, and His immeasurable love in redemption. It’s an invitation to stand in awe of a God who is not merely impressive but truly awesome, inspiring reverence, faith, and a profound sense of security in His sovereign rule over all creation. Through its straightforward yet biblically rich lyrics, this song reinforces the foundational truths of Christian faith, compelling individuals to acknowledge and worship the magnificent God it proclaims.