1987 - This song was adapted out of the text of Psalms 145. I was growing more comfortable with adapting bible passages without feeling constrained to use them word for word. I liked how this song detailed the restorative power of God through worship. So many times I can recall going to fellowship time more out of duty than desire. And yet every time the Holy Spirit would show up during worship and change everything- especially my attitude and gratitude. Insurmountable problems became tiny grains of sand in the presence of God. This is another of those songs that illustrate how I was striving to churn out songs that would be easy to remember and not be very “wordy”. The verse and chorus would be repeated three or more times as the Spirit led us. Seems overly simplistic now, but then again, maybe we could use some simplicity in our worship these days. One thing I can say is that the simplistic arrangement of the songs in those days was more conducive to freedom in worship expression. With the complex melodies and patterns of many worship songs today, there is very little latitude to variance and intuitive expression. When I recorded the song, however, I added in a second verse.
If I recall correctly, the year I wrote this song was the year that Mark Crafford and I flew to Seattle for a three day Christian songwriter’s workshop, which I previously mentioned in the description of the song THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE. That conference provided us with some really good tools for songwriting. One was the suggestion for using the Amplified Bible for expanded meanings of bible passages. I also got this book called “The Craft of Lyric Writing” by Sheila Davis which had a pretty big impact on my writing. See you nexttime…
HOW GREAT ARE YOUR SIGNS
Words and music by Reggie Michaud © 1987
How great are Your signs Lord, how mighty Your wonders
Your kingdom is everlasting, Your reign is forever
How great is Your power Lord, Your voice is like thunder
The depth of Your wisdom Lord, we’ll always be under
You are the Lord, You are Jehova
You are the king of all the earth and all of Creation
Down on my knees I will fall broken and weeping
Only to rise at the feel of Your touch Filled with Your glory!
I will extol you Lord, for You are my God
And I will bless Your Name forever and ever
Day after day oh Lord You fill me with wonder
One generation shall praise Your works to another
You are the Lord, You are Jehova
You are the king of all the earth and all of Creation
Down on my knees I will fall broken and weeping
Only to rise at the feel of Your touch
Filled with Your glory!