Phil Wickham’s *What an Awesome God* Lyrics: The Sacred Words That Defined a Generation

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Phil Wickham’s What an Awesome God isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural touchstone, a theological masterpiece, and the kind of hymn that transcends generations. Released in 2011 as part of his debut album Hope in Any Language, the lyrics to What an Awesome God became an instant phenomenon, sparking debates, inspiring worship, and cementing Wickham’s place as one of the most influential Christian songwriters of his era. The song’s raw, unfiltered adoration—"You’re worthy of more than my lips can ever say"—resonated with millions, turning it into a staple in churches, conferences, and personal devotionals worldwide. But what makes these lyrics so enduring? And why do they continue to stir hearts decades after their release?

The genius of What an Awesome God lies in its simplicity and depth. Wickham, a former worship pastor, crafted lyrics that feel both intimate and cosmic, balancing personal reverence with universal awe. The song’s refrain—"What an awesome God we serve!"—isn’t just a declaration; it’s a question, an invitation to pause and marvel at the divine. Unlike many worship songs that rely on abstract imagery, Wickham’s lyrics ground the sacred in the tangible: "You’re worthy of more than my lips can ever say" speaks to the inadequacy of human words in the face of the infinite. This tension between the finite and the infinite is what makes the lyrics to What an Awesome God feel both relatable and transcendent.

Yet, the song’s impact extends beyond its musicality. It became a lightning rod for theological discussion, particularly around the nature of worship and the role of emotion in faith. Critics and pastors alike dissected its lyrics, debating whether the song’s exuberance risked oversimplifying complex doctrines or whether it successfully channeled raw devotion into a modern hymn. Wickham himself has described the song as an attempt to "capture the awe of God’s greatness in a way that’s honest and unfiltered." That honesty—both in its celebration and its humility—is what has kept What an Awesome God relevant, even as worship music trends evolve.

phil wickham what an awesome god lyrics

The Complete Overview of What an Awesome God: Phil Wickham’s Hymn of Adoration

Phil Wickham’s What an Awesome God is more than a worship song; it’s a cultural artifact that reflects the shifting landscape of contemporary Christian music. Unlike the polished, corporate-sounding anthems of the 2000s, Wickham’s lyrics embrace a conversational, almost conversational tone, making the sacred feel accessible without sacrificing depth. The song’s structure—built around a repetitive, anthemic chorus—mirrors the cyclical nature of worship itself, where praise is both a beginning and an end. This cyclicality is intentional; Wickham has stated that he wanted the song to feel like a "loop of adoration," where each repetition draws the listener deeper into reverence.

What sets What an Awesome God apart is its refusal to shy away from the emotional intensity of worship. The lyrics don’t just describe God’s attributes; they experience them. Lines like "You’re worthy of more than my lips can ever say" and "You’re worthy of more than my heart could ever know" aren’t just declarations of worthiness—they’re confessions of human limitation. This vulnerability is what makes the song feel authentic. Unlike many worship songs that rely on clichés or abstract metaphors, Wickham’s lyrics are grounded in the raw, unfiltered response of a believer who recognizes their own inadequacy in the presence of the divine. It’s this honesty that has made the lyrics to What an Awesome God resonate across denominations and cultures.

Historical Background and Evolution

The origins of What an Awesome God trace back to Wickham’s time as a worship pastor at a church in Texas, where he was tasked with leading congregations in singing songs that felt both fresh and theologically sound. Frustrated by the disconnect between modern worship music and traditional hymns, Wickham began writing lyrics that blended contemporary language with timeless truths. The song was initially written as a simple, repetitive chorus designed to be sung by a congregation, but its impact was immediate. When it was released as part of Hope in Any Language, it quickly became a viral sensation, climbing charts and earning praise from both musicians and theologians.

The song’s evolution is fascinating. Early versions of the lyrics were even more minimalist, with Wickham focusing solely on the chorus. However, as the song gained traction, he expanded it into a full anthem, adding verses that deepened its theological richness. The final version—with its emphasis on God’s sovereignty, mercy, and majesty—became a blueprint for what would later be called "next-gen worship." The lyrics to What an Awesome God weren’t just catchy; they were theologically robust, addressing themes like divine justice ("You’re worthy of more than the blood You gave"), grace ("You’re worthy of more than my heart could ever know"), and cosmic awe ("What an awesome God we serve!"). This balance of simplicity and depth is what made the song a turning point in Christian music.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

At its core, What an Awesome God operates on two levels: lyrical repetition and theological anchoring. The song’s chorus is designed to be sung repeatedly, each iteration building on the last, much like a call-and-response in traditional worship. This repetition isn’t gimmicky—it’s rooted in the psychology of communal worship. Neuroscientific studies on music and emotion suggest that repetitive lyrics trigger a sense of familiarity and comfort, making the listener more receptive to the song’s message. Wickham leverages this by ensuring that each repetition of "What an awesome God we serve!" feels slightly more profound than the last.

The second mechanism is theological scaffolding. Unlike many worship songs that focus on a single attribute of God (e.g., love or mercy), What an Awesome God weaves together multiple doctrines in a single stanza. The first verse, for example, moves from God’s worthiness ("You’re worthy of more") to His sacrifice ("the blood You gave"), then to His sovereignty ("You’re worthy of more than my life could cost"). This rapid-fire theological density ensures that the song isn’t just emotionally moving—it’s intellectually engaging. Wickham’s genius lies in his ability to compress complex truths into lines that feel both profound and accessible. The result is a song that can be sung by a child in Sunday school and contemplated by a seminary student alike.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

The lyrics to What an Awesome God have had a ripple effect across Christian culture, influencing everything from worship practices to theological discourse. One of its most significant impacts has been the democratization of worship leadership. Before What an Awesome God, many congregations relied on polished, professional worship teams to lead singing. Wickham’s song proved that raw, heartfelt lyrics could resonate just as powerfully—if not more so—than technically perfect performances. This shift has empowered laypeople, youth groups, and even solo worshippers to lead congregational singing with confidence.

Another critical benefit is the song’s universal appeal. While rooted in evangelical Christianity, What an Awesome God has been adopted by denominations across the spectrum, from non-denominational megachurches to historic mainline Protestant traditions. Its lack of denominational jargon and its focus on God’s universal attributes have made it a bridge between theological traditions. Even in secular spaces, the song’s chorus has been quoted in sermons, podcasts, and even pop culture references, further cementing its place in the cultural lexicon.

> "Worship isn’t about perfection—it’s about posture. And Phil Wickham’s lyrics remind us that the most powerful worship isn’t the most polished; it’s the most honest." — Jenifer Hatmaker, Author & Theologian

Major Advantages

  • Theological Depth in Simplicity: The lyrics distill complex doctrines (sovereignty, grace, justice) into digestible, repeatable phrases without sacrificing depth.
  • Emotional Resonance: The raw, conversational tone makes the sacred feel personal, fostering a sense of intimacy with the divine.
  • Cultural Unifier: Its lack of denominational language has made it a staple in churches worldwide, transcending theological divides.
  • Memorability: The repetitive structure ensures the lyrics are easy to remember, making it ideal for congregational singing.
  • Adaptability: The song’s simplicity allows for creative arrangements, from acoustic versions to full orchestral renditions, keeping it relevant across genres.

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Comparative Analysis

Aspect What an Awesome God (Phil Wickham) Modern Worship Trends
Lyrical Style Conversational, repetitive, theologically dense Often metaphorical, poetic, or narrative-driven
Emotional Tone Raw, reverent, humble Varies from intimate to celebratory, sometimes overly sentimental
Theological Focus God’s worthiness, sovereignty, sacrifice Often focuses on personal relationship with God or social justice
Cultural Impact Widely adopted across denominations, used in global worship settings Often niche, tied to specific movements or subcultures
As worship music continues to evolve, the influence of What an Awesome God lyrics is likely to shape the next generation of hymns. One emerging trend is the "micro-hymn"—short, repeatable phrases designed for quick, impactful worship moments. Wickham’s song paved the way for this style, proving that brevity doesn’t have to mean shallowness. Expect to see more songs in this vein, particularly in digital worship spaces where attention spans are shorter.

Another innovation is the integration of AI and worship music. While some may see this as a threat to the authenticity of lyrics like What an Awesome God, others argue that AI could be used to personalize worship experiences. Imagine a system that adapts the lyrics of What an Awesome God in real-time based on a congregation’s theological focus—expanding on sovereignty one week, grace the next. Wickham himself has hinted at exploring these possibilities, suggesting that technology could enhance—not replace—the human element of worship.

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Conclusion

Phil Wickham’s What an Awesome God lyrics endure because they do what great worship music should: they simplify the complex, elevate the ordinary, and invite participation. In an era where Christian music is often criticized for being either too corporate or too niche, Wickham’s song struck a balance—accessible yet profound, emotional yet theologically grounded. Its legacy isn’t just in the charts or the awards; it’s in the millions of voices that have sung its chorus in churches, living rooms, and stadiums around the world.

The song’s true power lies in its ability to turn individual devotion into communal praise. When a congregation sings "What an awesome God we serve!" in unison, they’re not just performing a song—they’re participating in a centuries-old tradition of declaring the majesty of the divine. In a world that often prioritizes individualism, What an Awesome God reminds us that worship is, at its core, a shared experience. And that’s why, years after its release, the lyrics still resonate—because they speak to something deeper than music. They speak to the human need to pause, to marvel, and to say, "Yes, He is."

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: What inspired Phil Wickham to write What an Awesome God?

Wickham has cited his frustration with the disconnect between modern worship music and traditional hymns as the primary inspiration. He wanted to write something that felt fresh but still theologically rich, something that could be sung by a congregation without feeling forced or overly polished. The song’s simplicity was intentional—he wanted it to feel like a "natural overflow of the heart" rather than a carefully constructed performance.

Q: Are there any theological controversies surrounding the lyrics?

While What an Awesome God is widely beloved, some theologians have raised questions about its emphasis on God’s "worthiness" versus His relational attributes. Critics argue that the song leans too heavily on God’s majesty and less on His nearness, which could risk making worship feel transactional rather than transformative. Wickham has responded by emphasizing that the song is meant to be a "starting point" for deeper theological reflection, not an endpoint.

Q: How has What an Awesome God been used in modern worship settings?

The song has become a staple in contemporary worship, often used as an opening or closing anthem due to its uplifting tone. It’s also popular in youth ministry, where its simple structure makes it easy for younger congregants to engage. Additionally, the lyrics have been adapted into children’s worship curricula, proving its versatility across age groups. Some churches even use it as a "response song" after sermons, inviting congregants to reflect on what they’ve heard.

Q: Has Phil Wickham written other songs with a similar lyrical style?

Yes. Wickham’s songwriting is known for its repetitive, theologically dense approach, similar to What an Awesome God. Other notable examples include "Revelation Song" (a modern take on the biblical hymn), "Hope in Any Language" (which explores God’s faithfulness), and "How Great Is Our God" (a collaborative anthem with Chris Tomlin). These songs share the same balance of simplicity and depth, making them staples in modern worship.

Q: Why do some people criticize the song’s overuse in churches?

While What an Awesome God is beloved, some argue that its ubiquity has led to it feeling overplayed in certain circles. Critics suggest that over-reliance on a single song can make worship feel repetitive or formulaic. Wickham has acknowledged this concern, encouraging pastors to use the song as a "springboard" for deeper worship rather than a crutch. He also advocates for rotating worship sets to keep congregations engaged.

Q: Are there any notable covers or remixes of What an Awesome God?

Absolutely. The song has been covered by artists across genres, including:

  • A classical orchestral version by the London Symphony Orchestra
  • A metal adaptation by the band Demon Hunter (though heavily edited for lyrical differences)
  • A jazz rendition by the worship group Hillsong United (though not an official cover)
  • An acoustic guitar arrangement by solo artists like Lauren Daigle and Brandon Lake
These covers highlight the song’s adaptability, proving that its power lies in its lyrical and musical structure rather than a specific arrangement.

Q: How can I use What an Awesome God in personal worship?

The song’s simplicity makes it ideal for personal devotion. Try these methods:

  • Meditation: Slowly repeat the chorus while reflecting on each line ("You’re worthy of more than my lips can ever say").
  • Journaling: Write down what "awesome" means to you about God, then expand on it.
  • Prayer: Use the lyrics as a framework for prayer (e.g., "Lord, You’re worthy of more than my life could cost—help me surrender fully.").
  • Singing: Play the song in the background and sing along, even if alone—it can create a sacred atmosphere.
Wickham himself encourages believers to personalize the lyrics, making them their own.