O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
How Great Thou Art
How Great Thou Art Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on June 9, 2017, Fountainview Academy offered their rendition of the classic hymn "How Great Thou Art," a piece that transcends generations and languages in its simple yet profound adoration of God. The song originates from a Swedish poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885, inspired by observing a powerful thunderstorm followed by clear, serene skies. This personal encounter with the majesty of nature led him to meditate on God's power and grace, a meditation that has since resonated with millions, becoming a universal anthem of praise after English translations brought it to wider prominence.
The enduring message of "How Great Thou Art" is rooted in the simple act of observing God's creation and responding with awe. It moves from contemplating the vastness of the universe and the power of nature – the stars, the rolling thunder – to reflecting on God's redemptive love demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and culminating in the hope of Christ's glorious return and eternal praise in heaven. This journey through God's work in creation, salvation, and future glory forms the backbone of the hymn's theological depth.
Fountainview Academy’s interpretation captures this journey with reverent precision. Known for their orchestral and choral arrangements, their version brings a stately yet accessible quality to the hymn. The instrumental backing often provides a rich, dynamic foundation that swells and diminishes in harmony with the lyrical themes, from the quiet wonder of the opening verses contemplating nature's grandeur to the powerful declaration of God's love and the anticipation of Christ's return. The voices, whether in solo lines or massed choir, carry the melody with clarity and conviction, allowing the power of the words to shine through. There's a sense of earnest devotion in their performance, fostering an atmosphere conducive to worship and reflection.
The hymn's movement through these themes finds deep resonance throughout Scripture. When the song begins by prompting us to consider the world God made, it aligns perfectly with Psalm 19:1, which states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork." Romans 1:20 further affirms that God's invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, are clearly seen from the creation of the world, being understood by the things that are made. The mention of God's "thund'ring pow'r" brings to mind passages like Psalm 29:3-4, where "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundreth... The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty."
Transitioning from creation to salvation, the hymn marvels at God's sending of His Son, a central truth of the Gospel. This points directly to verses like John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," and Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The contemplation of Christ's sacrifice, His taking on sin, and His resurrection, are foundational elements echoed in passages such as 1 Peter 2:24, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree," and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, detailing His death, burial, and resurrection "according to the scriptures."
Finally, the hymn looks forward to Christ's promised return in glory, a hope that fills the believer with eager anticipation. This theme is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, found in verses like John 14:3, where Jesus promises, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also," and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describing the Lord's descent from heaven with a shout and the gathering of believers. The concluding declaration of eternal praise, singing "How great Thou art," anticipates the scene in Revelation 5:13 and Revelation 7:9-10, where all creation and a great multitude from every nation join in declaring God's glory and salvation. Fountainview Academy's handling of these progressive themes allows the full weight of the hymn's Scriptural foundation to resonate, encouraging a response of humble adoration and profound worship from those who engage with their recording. Their performance serves not just as a musical arrangement, but as an invitation to join in the timeless chorus proclaiming God's greatness, from the wonders of creation to the promise of eternal life.
