The Florida Boys - How Great Thou Art Lyrics
Lyrics
Oh 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 Christ shall come with shouts of adulation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there 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
Video
Florida Boys. How Great Thou Art . 2000 ( I'm Forgiven )
Meaning & Inspiration
"How Great Thou Art," as presented by The Florida Boys on their *The Ultimate Collection* album, released on November 20, 2007, delivers a message of profound spiritual contemplation and adoration that transcends its musical arrangement, centering entirely on the majesty of God. The enduring power of this hymn lies in its journey from a Swedish poem by Carl Boberg, inspired by a majestic thunderstorm and subsequent calm in the late 19th century, through various translations, to the definitive English rendition by Stuart K. Hine. Hine’s own experiences in war-torn Eastern Europe, witnessing both suffering and revival, prompted him to add verses that speak to Christ's redemption and glorious return, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved expressions of faith globally.
The song immediately draws the mind into a state of reverence, beginning with a meditation on creation in the opening lines. When the hymn declares, "Oh 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," it articulates a universal human experience: standing in awe of the natural world. This profound observation of the cosmos—from the vastness of the stars to the powerful sound of thunder—serves as an undeniable testament to divine authorship. It’s a direct echo of Romans 1:20, which asserts that God’s "invisible attributes—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made." Similarly, Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands," perfectly encapsulating the wonder expressed in these verses. The natural response to such an overwhelming display of power and creativity is not merely admiration, but worship, as the soul is stirred to recognize its Creator.
This recognition culminates in the powerful and repetitive chorus: "Then sings my soul, my Saviour, God, to Thee / How great Thou art, how great Thou art." This isn't just a casual acknowledgment; it's a spontaneous outpouring of praise that wells up from the innermost being. It’s the soul's compelled declaration, echoing sentiments found in Psalm 103:1, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name." The reiteration of "How great Thou art" acts as a meditative chant, solidifying the central message of God's unparalleled magnificence and worthiness of all adoration. It guides the worshiper from mere observation to active engagement in praise, affirming God's greatness as an ultimate truth that deeply moves the spirit.
The hymn then beautifully shifts its focus from God's work in creation to His ultimate redemptive plan and future promise in the second verse: "When Christ shall come with shouts of adulation / And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart / Then I shall bow in humble adoration / And there proclaim my God, how great Thou art." Here, the song transcends present wonder and embraces eschatological hope. It points to the anticipated Second Coming of Christ, a moment described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, where the Lord "will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God." The promise of being "taken home" brings immense joy, a joy that Revelation 21:4 alludes to, where God "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." This future hope culminates in a renewed act of "humble adoration," mirroring the heavenly scene in Revelation 4:10-11, where the elders cast their crowns before the throne, declaring God's worthiness. This verse skillfully binds the awe of creation with the hope of redemption, showing God's greatness across all time—from creation to consummation.
Ultimately, "How Great Thou Art" by The Florida Boys serves as a spiritual compass, guiding the heart to gaze upon God's greatness in His visible works and His promised future. It's a testament to the profound spiritual journey from intellectual understanding of God's power to deep, personal worship and joyful anticipation. The hymn’s timeless message encourages believers to live with a constant awareness of God’s sovereignty and love, fostering a spirit of continuous praise and unwavering hope in His ultimate return, thereby enriching one's faith and perspective on life itself.