The Old Paths - God's Great Lyrics
Lyrics
Looking back over my life,
God's good, so good.
And it's a fact sometimes I took the wrong track,
But God's good, so good.
And when I look at where I've been
And what He's brought me through,
All I can say is God's been so good,
But on second thought, God's been great.
How great, how great, how great is God's amazing grace.
Amazing grace, the grace that sought me
Great, the blood that bought me, how great!
How long, how long, how long are His arms of mercy.
Reached way down to the bottom,
Picked me up, no problem
Ain't God good?
No, God's great.
I'm moving on, and I've got a new song
Cause God's good, so good.
And when I'm faced with trials in my way,
God's good, so good.
And when I'm questioned about this smile on my face,
I must reply.
All I can say is God's been so good,
But on second thought, God's been great.
How great, how great, how great is God's amazing grace.
Amazing grace, the grace that sought me
Great, the blood that bought me, how great!
How long, how long, how long are His arms of mercy.
Reached way down to the bottom,
Picked me up, no problem
Ain't God good?
No, God's great.
Video
God's Great
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on April 17, 2012, as part of their album *Right Now*, The Old Paths' "God's Great" offers a profound reflection on the enduring faithfulness and boundless character of the Divine. The song begins by inviting a look back through life's journey, acknowledging that while there have been missteps and wrong turns, the overarching truth remains that God has been consistently good. This initial recognition, "God's good, so good," speaks to the immediate and experiential kindness of the Creator, echoing sentiments found in Psalm 34:8, which encourages us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." However, the narrative quickly deepens, moving beyond mere goodness to a more awe-inspiring declaration: "But on second thought, God's been great." This shift isn't a retraction, but an elevation of understanding, recognizing that God's goodness is merely one facet of His infinitely greater nature.
The heart of the song's message truly resonates in its powerful chorus, which celebrates the magnitude of God's grace and mercy. The repeated question, "How great, how great, how great is God's amazing grace," compels a deeper contemplation of divine favor that reaches beyond human comprehension. This grace is not merely a kindness but an active, searching force, as the lyrics state, "the grace that sought me." This concept directly aligns with Ephesians 2:8-9, where Paul reminds us that "by grace you have been saved through faith... it is the gift of God." Furthermore, the reference to "the blood that bought me" powerfully points to the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, a central tenet of Christian faith, as articulated in 1 Peter 1:18-19, emphasizing that we were "redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ." The song then expands on the depth of God's compassion with "How long, how long, how long are His arms of mercy," illustrating a limitless, reaching love that "picked me up, no problem." This evokes the imagery of Psalm 136, where God's mercy "endures forever," and Lamentations 3:22-23, affirming that His mercies "are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." The ultimate conclusion of the chorus, "Ain't God good? No, God's great," firmly cements the song's central thesis: while goodness is undeniable, greatness encompasses an even vaster scope of His divine attributes.
As the song progresses into its second verse, it shifts from retrospective reflection to a forward-looking perspective, proclaiming, "I'm moving on, and I've got a new song." This speaks to the transformative power of God's grace, leading to a new life and purpose, a spiritual renewal echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." Even when faced with "trials in my way," the assurance remains that God is good, providing strength and comfort. This steadfast faith in adversity reflects the teaching of James 1:2-4, which encourages us to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials," knowing that perseverance develops character. The visible joy expressed, "this smile on my face," is attributed not merely to positive circumstances, but to the unwavering truth of God's character, culminating once more in the profound realization that "on second thought, God's been great."
Ultimately, "God's Great" by The Old Paths serves as a powerful reminder that while we often acknowledge God's goodness in our daily blessings, His true nature extends far beyond simple benevolence. His greatness encompasses His sovereign power, His infinite grace that seeks and saves, His boundless mercy that redeems, and His unwavering faithfulness through every season of life. It’s an invitation to elevate our understanding and worship, moving from a casual appreciation of His kindness to an awe-filled reverence for His incomprehensible majesty. This song challenges us to look beyond just what God does *for* us and to truly grasp who He *is* in His entirety, inspiring a deeper adoration for a God who is not just good, but truly, undeniably, and eternally great.