The Theology of Worship Music – Everlasting God by Brenton Brown and Ken Riley

The Theology of Worship Music – Everlasting God

by Brenton Brown and Ken Riley

Worship ministry is prophetic in nature, meaning it is intended to edify, exhort, and comfort those who engage in it. This song is certainly one that fills the bill where exhortation is concerned.

Everlasting God has been a staple among worshiping churches for a decade, and still counting. Its theological content is rock solid, and the worshipper is encouraged by declaring dependence on our God.

Isaiah declared the truth about God being One who empowers those that wait (serve) Him. He is the Everlasting God.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

The Hebrew words used for “Everlasting God” is “El Olam,” which means, “The Ancient God.” The word “ancient” does not mean old and decrepit as our Western culture has come to understand it. The word “olam” means, “before time, or timeless,” hence, Everlasting God. He is not old; He is outside of time. Before time began, He was. After time ends, He will still be!

The first time I remember hearing Isaiah 40:31 was at Freshmen Orientation at Samford University in the Summer of 1977. I was raised in church and was a Believer, but I had never heard anything regarding God’s desire to strengthen me as described in this verse. It was a turning point in my walk with the Lord. I realized that if I would serve Him, He would strengthen me for the task. The good news is, He still does.

Michael Tharpe, from IHOP-KC, introduced this song to me during a worship workshop. I used it often from that point to lead our congregation in declaring the truth about who God is, and who He wants to be in us.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord!