It’s been 20 years since Chris Tomlin debuted his career-defining anthem, “How Great Is Our God.” To mark the anniversary, the revered artist is releasing “How Great is Our God: Living a Worship-Led Life in a Me-Driven World,” a 21-day devotional that shares his heart beyond the hit.
“As a young man, God placed a calling and mission on my life to help give people a voice to worship God. Over the years of writing songs and leading worship around the world, I have found myself on a journey of learning what it means to truly live a worship-led life. I am excited and humbled to announce that I have written a book with a hope and prayer that it helps guide a deeper and more tangible understanding of what it means for us all to live a worship-led life,” Tomlin shares. “I pray and believe that the content in this book will have a meaningful impact on your relationship with God, yourself, and others.”
Aligning with this vision, “How Great Is Our God” is divided into three distinct sections: Upward, Inward and Outward. At every point, Tomlin directs readers to reflect on the ways in which their own lives intersect with faith, calling and community. A foreword from beloved author, speaker and pastor Max Lucado introduces the devotional followed by a straightforward invitation from Tomlin for readers to commit to a personal relationship with Jesus.
Once the foundational groundwork is laid, “How Great Is Our God” reads, in Tomlin’s own words, as a “letter-like volume of reflections from me to you.” From stories behind the songs — including how reading a passage in Psalms led to penning the book’s namesake in his apartment in Austin — to memories of growing up in Grand Saline, Texas, the devotional is a patchwork of accounts and thoughts from one of the “most-sung artists” of our time.
He shares anecdotes from the early days of the Passion movement, recollections from his travels around the globe and rare glimpses into his life as a husband and father. (Incidentally, the book is dedicated to his three daughters.)
But it isn’t just the familiar songs he’s written or the stories he divulges that make “How Great Is Our God” a fascinating read. Tomlin is also intentional about shining a light on songs of worship that have and continue to inspire him, as well as stories of other lyricists, theologians and thought leaders who have made an impact on him personally. You’ll hear him brag on Matt Redman, Blessing Offor and Pat Barrett, among others.
Longtime fans of the “Holy Forever” singer will learn where he was when he first heard “God of This City” — a song he didn’t write but took around the world — how his parents ran a pharmacy in the dusty Texas town where he was raised, and why he was reluctant to reimagine one of the greatest hymns ever written (“Amazing Grace”) when someone approached him with the opportunity on an airplane.
Despite the personal tales he quietly weaves throughout the book’s 21 devotions, “How Great Is Our God” is filled with wisdom, depth and truth that will lead readers to evaluate their own trajectory and empower them to pursue a life of meaning, purpose and grace.
Each day’s devotional ends with some prompts that point to Scripture, some reflection questions and some closing thoughts. Additionally, every chapter culminates in an aptly titled “Sing With Me” section that directs readers to a digital playlist curated by Tomlin, which includes his own songs and handpicked selections from some of his favorite artists. The songs correspond with that day’s reading, adding a natural worship element to the title tailor-made for private moments of prayer and reflection.
“How Great Is Our God” concludes with some food for thought and a cause close to the renowned worship leader’s heart. Backed by sobering statistics, Tomlin shares his passion for creating change within the current foster care system — something he and his wife, Lauren, have become advocates for through their nonprofit, For Others. The final chapter gives fans of his music an opportunity to put hands and feet to the “Outward” portion of the book that encourages readers to live an others-focused life versus a me-centered existence — the crux of the entire devotional.
“How Great Is Our God” isn’t the father of three’s first book. The award winner previously partnered with his pastor, Darren Whitehead, to pen inspirational resource “Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change the Way You Worship.” Additionally, he released a children’s book with Pat Barrett titled “Good Good Father” in 2016.
Continuing his lifelong mission of “giving people a voice to worship God,” Tomlin will host his annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert — where all the proceeds will benefit For Others — before embarking on the “Holy Forever World Tour” with special guest CAIN, which will commence his first international headlining jaunt in more than a decade.
