“Great Are You, Lord” has become more than just a song; it’s an anthem resonating in churches and hearts worldwide. Performed by the acclaimed duo All Sons and Daughters, comprised of Leslie Jordan and David Leonard, this powerful worship track from their self-titled album has deeply impacted contemporary Christian music. But what makes the song “Great Are You Lord” so resonant? It’s the profound truth it carries, effortlessly guiding listeners into genuine worship, praising God for His very being and His mighty works.
Let’s delve deeper into the lyrics and the heart behind this impactful song.
Unpacking the Lyrics: A Verse-by-Verse Exploration
The beauty of “Great Are You, Lord” lies in its simplicity and its profound theological depth. Each line is a declaration of God’s character, drawing from core biblical truths.
“You give life”
The song opens with a fundamental truth: God is the source of all life. This echoes the very beginning of creation as described in Genesis 1 and 2. From the cosmos to the smallest living creature, everything owes its existence to God’s creative power. The Scriptures are replete with examples reinforcing this truth. In the book of Ruth (4:13), we see God granting life to Ruth and Boaz in the form of a son. Hannah’s fervent prayer for a child was answered by God, who blessed her with Samuel and further offspring (1 Samuel 1:19-20; 2:21). Jesus Himself proclaims, “I am the life” (John 14:6) and declares His mission to bring abundant life to His followers (John 10:10). This foundational line reminds us that every breath we take is a gift from a life-giving God.
“You are love”
Moving beyond just an attribute, the lyrics declare, “You are love.” This powerful statement is directly inspired by 1 John 4:8, which unequivocally states, “God is love.” This isn’t merely saying God is loving; it’s a declaration of His very essence. Love isn’t something God possesses; it is who He is. Paul’s eloquent description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 provides a deeper understanding of God’s nature. Many theologians and teachers encourage substituting “God” for “love” in those verses to fully grasp the divine nature of love. God perfectly and consistently embodies every facet of love described by Paul – patience, kindness, humility, and unwavering faithfulness. God isn’t just loving; He is Love.
“You bring light to the darkness”
Continuing to paint a picture of God’s inherent nature, the song affirms, “You bring light to the darkness.” This resonates with 1 John 1:5, asserting, “God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” Jesus is identified as “the true light” in John 1:9, and He proclaims, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Light and darkness are powerful metaphors, especially when considering spiritual realities. Just as physical light dispels darkness, God’s presence illuminates and eradicates the darkness of sin, shame, doubt, and pain in our lives. He replaces despair with His love, joy, peace, and kindness, bringing clarity and hope where there was once obscurity.
“You give hope”
Building upon the theme of light overcoming darkness, the song proclaims, “You give hope.” This hope is not a fleeting wish but a “living hope,” as described in 1 Peter 1:3. The original Greek word for hope here signifies a “confident expectation.” This is distinct from the modern usage of “hope” which often implies mere wishful thinking. Christian hope is a firm assurance, a confident anticipation of future good. Peter speaks of the confident expectation of Jesus’ return and the promise of eternal life with Him for all believers. Paul, in Romans 8:18, emphasizes that present sufferings are insignificant compared to the glory of this future hope. Furthermore, Romans 5:5 assures us that this hope will not disappoint. God is the giver of this unwavering, confident hope.
“You restore every heart that is broken”
The final verse line, “You restore every heart that is broken,” speaks to God’s redemptive power. While “brokenhearted” in modern language often refers to romantic disappointment, in Scripture, it encompasses a deeper spiritual brokenness and helplessness. Isaiah 61:1 beautifully illustrates this, prophesying about the Messiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…”
This passage speaks to those spiritually lost and wounded, separated from God. As Romans 3:23 declares, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every person is born spiritually broken, alienated from God due to sin. However, the transformative message of the Gospel is that God restores broken hearts. Through faith in Jesus Christ, every broken soul can be reconciled to God and experience complete restoration.
“Great are You, Lord.”
This simple yet profound declaration follows each verse, acting as a powerful refrain. It’s an affirmation, a resounding “Yes, and Amen!” to all the preceding statements about God’s nature and actions. It is the heart’s natural response to the revelation of God’s greatness.
The Chorus: “It’s Your Breath in Our Lungs”
The chorus of “Great Are You, Lord” takes the worship experience to another level, drawing a deeply personal connection between God and the worshipper.
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only
The phrase “It’s Your breath in our lungs” encapsulates the idea of God’s continuous sustenance. As Louis Giglio eloquently stated, “Worship is when we give God His breath back.” This imagery, inspired by Ezekiel 37 where God breathes life into dry bones, powerfully illustrates God’s omnipotence and our dependence on Him for life itself. Every breath we take is a gift from God, and worship becomes the act of returning that gift back to Him in praise.
The song powerfully connects the gift of life (breath) with the act of worship (praise). It’s a recognition that our very existence is an act of God’s grace, and our response should be wholehearted praise offered solely to Him. The repetition of “we pour out our praise” emphasizes the overflowing nature of true worship – it’s not a measured offering but a lavish outpouring of gratitude and adoration.
Worship as a Lifestyle: Beyond the Song
“Great Are You, Lord” is more than just a song to be sung; it’s an invitation to a lifestyle of worship. As the original article poignantly illustrates with the story of the woman worshipping despite her terminal illness, true worship transcends circumstances. It’s a declaration of God’s greatness even amidst life’s challenges and pain.
Worship in song is a powerful expression, but it should be an overflow of a life lived in worship. It’s about recognizing God’s greatness in every aspect of our lives – in joy and sorrow, in abundance and lack. It’s about saying, “Great are You, Lord! Even when things are not great in my life.” Because God’s greatness is not dependent on our circumstances; it is rooted in His unchanging character – His life-giving power, His boundless love, His illuminating light, His unwavering hope, and His restorative grace.
“Great Are You, Lord” serves as a potent reminder of these core truths. It’s a song that not only inspires worship but also calls us to live lives that reflect the greatness of the God we serve. It’s an invitation to pour out our praise, not just in song, but in every breath we take, acknowledging that it is His breath in our lungs that empowers us to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Listen to “Great Are You, Lord” by All Sons and Daughters here
