The Catholic Defender: Our God is an Awesome God He Reigns

As performed by the Hartley boys

"Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love."

Written by the late singer-songwriter Catholic Convert Rich Mullins in 1988

Michael W. Smith: His 2001 live recording helped popularize the song for a new generation.

 Released a modern reimagining titled "What An Awesome God" in 2025, which incorporates the classic chorus into new verses.

Kirk Franklin: Often performs a high-energy gospel medley that includes the chorus. 

The song’s message of God's sovereignty and greatness is rooted in scriptures like Psalm 47:2, which states, "For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth".

Deuteronomy 10:17: "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe".

Nehemiah 1:5: "And I said, 'O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments...'".

Psalm 47:2: "For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth".

Psalm 68:35: "O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people".

Nehemiah 9:32: "Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love...". 

Psalm 111:9: "He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name".

Holy One, Holy One / All creation bows to worship

Hallelujah, Hallelujah / Glory in the highest

God He reigns, God He reigns / Holy is the Lord of heaven

"Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, power, and love

Our God is an awesome God"

In the original Hebrew, the word often translated as "awesome" is yare, which means to fear, to revere, or to stand in awe. It describes a profound respect and holy fear inspired by God's

Justice and Care: Protecting the fatherless and widow (Deuteronomy 10:17-18).

Faithfulness: Keeping His promises and covenants (Nehemiah 1:5).

Sovereignty: Reigning as King over all the earth (Psalm 47:2