Only Sovereign Lord Worship Song Unpacking the Song’s Message
I wanted to take a moment to share with you the story behind a song that’s close to my heart – “Only Sovereign Lord.” As the person who write the lyrics, I want to give you a glimpse into the inspiration and message behind this worship and praise song.
The Origin of “Only Sovereign Lord”
This song was born out of a deep desire to convey a powerful message of faith and reverence for our Creator, who is the “Only Sovereign Lord” of the universe. You see, my desire was to create a song that would inspire worshipers in our church community.
Song Lyrics
Before going any further here are the lyrics to the song “Only Sovereign Lord”
ONLY SOVEREIGN LORD Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Seated on the throne You are worthy of all praise bowing down I honor you Only Sovereign Lord At Your feet I fall Only Sovereign Lord You are above all Mighty, Mighty, is the Lamb High and lifted up You're the Savior of my soul By Your blood I've overcome Only Sovereign Lord At Your feet I fall Only Sovereign Lord You are above all I surrender my life to you I surrender my life to you Only Sovereign Lord At Your feet I fall Only Sovereign Lord You are above all
Understanding Sovereignty
When singing the lyrics “Only Sovereign Lord,” we acknowledge that God is the ultimate ruler over all creation. He possesses supreme authority, autonomy, and independence. He is the one who made the heavens and the earth, and everything in them. This is realized by this Bible verse.
And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,
Acts 4:24
In the context of the song “Only Sovereign Lord” the term “sovereign” is used to describe God’s supreme and unmatched authority and control over all creation and events. God is seen as the ultimate ruler and the one who exercises sovereign authority over the universe. Here are some attribute of sovereignty.
Supreme Authority: A sovereign entity has the ultimate and highest authority within its defined scope. It has the ability to exercise power without being subject to a higher authority.
Autonomy: Sovereignty implies self-governance and the ability to make independent decisions without external coercion or control.
Independence: A sovereign entity is typically independent and not under the rule or authority of another entity.
Jurisdiction: Sovereignty often pertains to a specific realm, where the sovereign entity exercises its authority and control. In the case of God that is the entire universe and everything it contains.
Biblical Inspiration for Only Sovereign Lord Worship Song
One of the most important aspects of this song is its connection to Scripture. Each line was carefully crafted to align with the timeless wisdom found in the Bible. It’s remarkable how the lyrics seamlessly intertwine with the Word of God. Let;’s breakdown each lyric and its relation to scripture.
Lyric: “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord”
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord”: These words echo the heavenly creatures in Revelation 4:8, who continually proclaim the holiness of God. The repetition emphasizes the absolute holiness and sovereignty of our Creator. Singing “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord,” it’s like joining in with the heavenly creatures in Revelation 4:8.
“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'”
As mentioned above, this verse is part of the heavenly worship scene in Revelation. It is where four living creatures continuously declare the holiness of the “Lord God Almighty.”. The repetition of “holy” three times emphasizes the absolute holiness and sovereignty of God. A God who is eternal, encompassing the past, present, and future.
This lyric beautifully illustrates the idea that God is the “Only Sovereign Lord”. He is continuously worshipped by heavenly beings for His unmatched authority and holiness. It serves as a reminder that God’s holiness is beyond our comprehension. And it is a central aspect of our worship, signifying that He is set apart and perfect.
The lyric “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” emphases that God’s holiness is immeasurable and a central theme in worship. When we acknowledge God’s holiness in our worship, we join in this declaration, recognizing His separateness and perfection.
Lyric: “Seated on the throne”
“Seated on the throne” really lines up with what we see in Revelation 4:2. This is where John has this vision of God sitting on His heavenly throne. This imagery represents God’s sovereignty and authority over all things.
“At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”
Looking at Revelation 4:2 it describes the vision of the Apostle John. In this vision he is taken into the heavenly realm and sees a throne in heaven God sitting on it. This represents His sovereignty and authority. This vision vividly portrays God’s sovereignty. And His central position as the ruler of the universe, reaffirming the concept of God as the “Only Sovereign Lord.”
He is seated on the throne, signifying His supreme authority and control over all things in heaven and on earth. Making it a powerful image of His sovereignty and ultimate authority. So, when we sing these words, we’re acknowledge that God reigns supreme. Singing these words is our acknowledgment that God reigns supreme and is in control of all things. Because He is pictured on His heavenly throne.
Lyric: “You are worthy of all praise”
“You are worthy of all praise”: These words mirror Psalm 145:3. This verse declares that God is most worthy of praise, His greatness beyond human comprehension. When we sing this lyric it’s like echoing Psalm 145:3. We are singing that God is great and deserves all our praise.
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
Psalm 145:3 emphasizes the greatness of the Lord and declares that He is most worthy of praise. This verse aligns with the theme of God’s sovereignty as the “Only Sovereign Lord.” The lyric highlights His greatness is beyond human comprehension, underlining His unrivaled majesty and authority. It serves as a powerful testament to God’s sovereignty and His deserving of our worship and adoration.
This lyric emphasizes that worship is all about recognizing God’s worthiness, giving Him the honor and adoration He truly deserves. The lyric declares that God is great and deserving of all praise. It underscores the idea that worship involves recognizing God’s worthiness and giving Him the honor and adoration He deserves.
Lyric: “Bowing down I honor you”
“Bowing down I honor you”: This line takes us to Psalm 95:6. This scriptures calls us to bow down in worship before the Lord our Maker. By doing this it reflects an attitude of humility and reverence. This lyric reflects the humility and reverence found in Psalm 95:6. Where it encourages us to bow down in worship before our Maker.
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Psalm 95:6 calls us to engage in an act of worship by bowing down and kneeling before the Lord our Maker. As we do it reflects an attitude of humility and reverence. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty as our “Only Sovereign Lord. ” It emphasises the importance of approaching worship with respect and adoration, recognizing His authority over our lives.
When we sing this, we express our willingness to submit to God’s sovereignty and acknowledge His greatness. “Bowing down I honor you” represents humility and reverence. Where we are encouraged to bow down in worship before our Maker. This lyric signifies our willingness to submit to God’s sovereignty and acknowledge His greatness.
Lyric: “Mighty, Mighty, is the Lamb”
“Mighty, Mighty, is the Lamb”: It resonates with Revelation 5:12. This passage shows heavenly beings declaring Jesus as worthy to receive power and glory. With this act we emphasizes His role as the mighty Savior. This lyric show a picture where heavenly beings declare Jesus as worthy to receive power and glory.
“In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'”
Revelation 5:12 is a powerful declaration from heavenly beings, praising the Lamb of God, which refers to Jesus Christ. This verse underscores the worthiness of Jesus, who, through His sacrifice, conquered sin and death. It also speaks to His sovereignty and the adoration He receives in heaven. The acknowledgment of Jesus as “worthy” aligns with the theme of God’s sovereignty. It also emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s role in the divine plan.
This lyric reminds us of Jesus’ incredible might as the Savior who conquered sin and death. The lyric resonates with the scripture, where heavenly beings declare the Lamb (Jesus) as worthy to receive power and glory. By which we are emphasizing Jesus’ role as the mighty Savior who conquered sin and death.
Lyric: “High and lifted up”
“High and lifted up”: This reminds us of Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1. This is where he saw the Lord high and exalted on His throne, portraying God’s majestic authority. When we sing “High and lifted up,” it’s like the vision Isaiah had where he saw the Lord high and exalted on His throne.
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”
Isaiah 6:1 describes the prophet Isaiah’s vision of the Lord in the temple. He beholds the Lord as high and exalted, seated on a throne. He sees the train of His robe filling the temple. This imagery portrays the majesty and sovereignty of God, emphasizing His exalted position. It aligns with the lyrics “High and lifted up.” This highlights God’s supreme authority and glory and reinforcing the concept of God as the “Only Sovereign Lord.”
This lyric paints a picture of God’s exalted position and majesty, inspiring awe and deepening our worship. Isaiah sees the Lord high and exalted on His throne, portraying God’s exalted position and majesty that inspire awe and worship.
Lyric: “You’re the Savior of my soul”
“You’re the Savior of my soul”: Think of Luke 2:11. The scripture announces Jesus as the Savior, the Messiah, and the Lord, underlining His sovereignty.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:11 announces the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, proclaiming Him as the Savior, the Messiah, and the Lord. This verse directly relates to the lyric “You’re the Savior of my soul” in the song “Only Sovereign Lord.” The lyric is reinforcing the idea that Jesus is the central figure in God’s plan of salvation. It acknowledging His sovereignty as the promised Messiah and Lord.
This lyric expresses our acknowledgment that Jesus rescues us from sin and offers eternal life. “You’re the Savior of my soul” connects with Luke 2:11. In this verse it declares Jesus as the Savior, expressing our acknowledgment that He saves us from sin and offers eternal life.
Lyric: “By Your blood I’ve overcome”
“By Your blood I’ve overcome”: This reflects the victory achieved through Christ’s sacrifice, as mentioned in Revelation 12:11.
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Revelation 12:11 speaks of believers’ victory achieved through the blood of the Lamb, representing Jesus Christ. This verse connects with the lyric “By Your blood I’ve overcome” in the song “Only Sovereign Lord.” The lyric emphasizes the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice. It explains how believers conquer sin and adversity through their faith in Him. It highlights Jesus’ sovereignty as the Lamb of God who secures triumph over all challenges.
This lyric underscores our redemption through Jesus’ blood and our victory over sin through faith in Him. “By Your blood I’ve overcome” reflects the victory obtained through Christ’s sacrifice, as mentioned in Revelation 12:11. The lyric is emphasizing our redemption through His blood and our triumph over sin through faith in Him.
Lyric: “I surrender my life to you”
“I surrender my life to you”: It echoes Romans 12:1. This passage urges us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, an essential aspect of genuine worship. When we sing “I surrender my life to you,” it’s like living out Romans 12:1. Which encourages us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Romans 12:1 encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God, motivated by His mercy. This verse aligns with the lyric “I surrender my life to you” in the song “Only Sovereign Lord” The song emphasises the act of surrendering our lives to God as an essential aspect of genuine worship.
By doing so, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and seek to align our will with His. Making it a true and pleasing form of worship that signifies our commitment to yield our lives to God’s sovereignty and will, at the heart of true worship.
“I surrender my life to you” echoes the idea of offering ourselves as living sacrifices, as encouraged in Romans 12:1. By do so, it is builds our commitment to yield our lives to God’s sovereignty. Making it a central aspect of true worship.
What It All Means
As the songwriter behind “Only Sovereign Lord,” my hope is that this song touches your heart and resonates with your faith journey. Worship isn’t just a performance; it’s an opportunity to connect with the One who holds all authority and power.
I encourage you to reflect on how this song speaks to you personally. How does it deepen your understanding of God’s sovereignty and the significance of worship in your life? Which parts of the lyrics or related Scriptures resonate with you the most?
Let’s not stop at understanding but put our faith into action. Incorporate the themes of this song into your daily life. Here are 3 thing to remember
- Surrender your heart daily to the “Only Sovereign Lord,”
- meditate on His Word, and
- let your life be a testament to His greatness.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the heart and soul behind “Only Sovereign Lord.” May this song continue to inspire and uplift your worship experience.
Use ‘Only Sovereign Lord’ Worship Song for Ministry
This song was written for the Christian church to be used to minister to congregation through song. As such I invite worship leaders to consider using the song as a part of your worship set. For you convenience song resources are available. You can get them at page: Only Sovereign Lord Song Resources. Should you decide to use the song your feedback is appreciated.
