7 Shocking Truths And The Full Lyrics Behind Rich Mullins' "Our God Is An Awesome God"
Few songs have defined an era of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) quite like "Our God Is an Awesome God." This timeless anthem, written and performed by the late, eccentric genius Rich Mullins, is more than just a catchy chorus; it's a profound theological statement wrapped in a deceptively simple, folk-rock melody. As of December 19, 2025, the song continues to resonate, not just in traditional church services but through fresh, modern reinterpretations by artists who seek to honor its powerful, biblical foundation.
Originally released in 1988 on the album Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth, the track's enduring popularity has cemented its place as a foundational piece of modern worship. Its simple, repeated declaration is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and majesty, drawing directly from Old Testament scripture. The song's legacy is so strong that major artists are still releasing covers and reimaginings, proving that the message of an "Awesome God" is perpetually relevant.
The Troubadour: Rich Mullins' Biography and Legacy
Rich Mullins, the man behind the music, was as unique as his unforgettable songs. His life was marked by a deep commitment to social justice, a rejection of material wealth, and a raw, honest faith that often clashed with the polished image of the Christian music industry.
- Full Name: Richard Wayne Mullins
- Born: October 21, 1955, in Richmond, Indiana, USA
- Died: September 19, 1997, in a car accident near Bloomington, Illinois, at age 41.
- Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Musician (Dulcimer, Piano)
- Genre: Contemporary Christian Music, Folk Rock, Worship
- Key Albums: Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988), The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One (1991), A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band (1993)
- Signature Songs: "Our God Is an Awesome God," "Step By Step," "Sometimes By Step," "Creed"
- Legacy: Known for his authentic "Ragamuffin" theology, living a simple life, and donating most of his royalties to charity. His music is celebrated for its poetic depth and biblical integrity.
The Full "Our God Is An Awesome God" Lyrics
The lyrics are surprisingly brief, with the power lying in the repetition of the chorus and the vivid imagery of the two verses. This simplicity is part of what made it so easily adopted by churches worldwide.
Chorus Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God Verse 1 When He rolls up His sleeves He ain't just puttin' on the ritz (Our God is an awesome God) There's thunder in His footsteps And lightning in His fists (Our God is an awesome God) And the reason the Son of Man came Was to save from the wicked man's ways (Our God is an awesome God) So give Him all the glory Praise His holy name Chorus Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God 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 the cities of the plain (Our God is an awesome God) So let us not forget why we're here To praise His holy name Chorus Our God is an awesome God He reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God
7 Shocking Truths and Deep Meanings Behind the Song
While the chorus is an earworm, the true genius of "Awesome God" lies in the verses, which are packed with biblical references and theological weight. Here are the seven key truths that give the song its enduring power and topical authority:
1. The Biblical Origin of "Awesome God"
The phrase "awesome God" is not a modern invention; it is a direct translation of a Hebrew phrase used repeatedly in the Old Testament. Mullins drew inspiration from passages like Nehemiah 1:5, which states, "O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments." The song's core is a declaration of God's covenantal faithfulness, not just His power.
2. The "Rolls Up His Sleeves" Imagery is About Judgment
The line "When He rolls up His sleeves / He ain't just puttin' on the ritz" is one of the most memorable and impactful. It's a vivid, almost folksy way of describing God's active, powerful involvement in the world. The context provided by the following lines—"thunder in His footsteps / And lightning in His fists"—is a clear reference to God's judgment and wrath, a theme often downplayed in modern worship. This imagery is a theological anchor, reminding listeners that God is to be feared as well as loved.
3. The Verse Structure Mimics a Biblical Psalm
The song's structure is intentional and highly effective. It follows a format similar to Psalm 136, where a single, repeated refrain ("Our God is an awesome God") is followed by various lines that elaborate and support that central point. This structure makes the song easy to learn, memorable, and biblically sound, cementing its place as a modern hymn.
4. It Links Creation, Redemption, and Judgment
The two verses cover the entire scope of Christian theology:
- Verse 2 (Creation): "When the sky was starless... He spoke into the darkness and created the light." (Genesis 1:1-5)
- Verse 1 (Redemption): "And the reason the Son of Man came / Was to save from the wicked man's ways." (The Gospel)
- Both Verses (Judgment): The references to "thunder," "lightning," and "Judgment and wrath He poured out on the cities of the plain" (Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis 19) ensure the 'awesome' nature of God includes His righteous justice.
5. The Modern Legacy: Phil Wickham's Reimagining
The song remains a contemporary force. In a recent move, modern worship leader Phil Wickham released a reimagined version of "Awesome God," demonstrating the song's continued relevance and power to a new generation. Wickham's decision to cover what some consider the "Number #1 Contemporary Christian Song of all time" speaks volumes about its foundational status in the worship canon.
6. Rich Mullins' Personal Commitment to Poverty
Mullins' life perfectly embodied the song's message of a God who is not "putting on the ritz." He was famous for his simple, almost ascetic lifestyle, living in a trailer and famously having his record label deposit his royalty checks directly into a church-managed account, from which he took only a modest salary. This rejection of wealth gave his music an undeniable authenticity and authority.
7. It's Still Used as a 'Vamp' or Bridge in New Worship Songs
In a testament to its timeless quality, the chorus of "Our God Is an Awesome God" is frequently incorporated as a "vamp" or bridge in contemporary worship sets. Worship leaders often use it to transition between songs or to build intensity, proving that the simple, powerful declaration of the chorus transcends musical trends and remains a potent tool for corporate worship.
The Enduring Topical Authority of a Simple Song
The longevity of "Our God Is an Awesome God" is a remarkable phenomenon in the fast-paced world of music. It has outlasted countless other CCM hits, not because of complex instrumentation or production, but because of its unvarnished, biblically grounded message. The song serves as a bridge, connecting the raw, prophetic spirit of its writer, Rich Mullins, with the modern, diverse landscape of today's worship music.
From the Old Testament roots in Nehemiah and the Psalms to the modern covers by Point of Grace and Phil Wickham, the song has proven to be an unstoppable force. It is a powerful reminder that true worship is rooted in acknowledging God's complete nature—His wisdom, power, love, and His righteous, awesome judgment. The simple, repeated phrase is a theological powerhouse, ensuring that "Our God Is an Awesome God" will continue to reign in playlists and sanctuaries for decades to come.
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