Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above is a timeless Christian hymn that exalts God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and glory in worship. Emphasizing His reign over creation, His ever-present help in times of distress, and the call to give Him all praise, this hymn inspires believers to trust and glorify Him in all circumstances.
VERSE 1
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
The God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love,
The God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul He fills,
And every faithless murmur stills:
To God all praise and glory
VERSE 2
What God’s almighty power hath made
His gracious mercy keepeth.
By morning glow or evening shade
His watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of His might,
Lo! all is just and all is right:
To God all praise and glory!
VERSE 3
The Lord is never far away,
But, thru all grief distressing,
An ever-present help and stay,
Our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand
He leads His own, His chosen band:
To God all praise and glory!
VERSE 4
Thus all my toilsome way along
I sing aloud His praises,
That men may hear the grateful song
My voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory!
Story Behind the Song
In 1675, Johann Jakob Schütz, a German lawyer deeply influenced by the Pietist movement, penned the hymn Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above. Born in Frankfurt am Main in 1640, Schütz practiced both civil and church law. His spiritual journey led him to become an ardent supporter of Philipp Jakob Spener, a key figure in Lutheran Pietism. Schütz’s commitment to deeper personal devotion inspired him to write hymns that reflected his faith. [1]
The hymn was originally titled “Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut” and consisted of nine stanzas. It was first published in the 1675 tract Christliches Gedenkbüchlein. The English translation commonly sung today was crafted by Frances Elizabeth Cox in 1864, who translated eight of the original stanzas. [2]
The melody associated with this hymn, known as “Mit Fre uden Zart,” dates back to the Bohemian Brethren’s hymnal Kirchengesänge of 1566. This tune has similarities to the French chanson “Une pastourelle gentille” and to the melody of Psalm 138 in the Geneva Psalter of 1551. [3]
Schütz’s hymn reflects the Pietist emphasis on personal devotion and God’s intimate presence in the believer’s life. Each stanza concludes with the refrain, “To God all praise and glory,” encapsulating the central theme of glorifying God in all circumstances. [4]
God’s Sovereignty
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above is a hymn of worship that declares God’s sovereignty, presence, and faithfulness. Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation affirms that God is the ruler over all things. Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” Worship is the believer’s response to His supreme authority.
The Lord is never far away, but, thru all grief distressing, an ever-present help and stay reflects God’s nearness. Psalm 46:1 confirms, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” God does not abandon His people but leads them tenderly, as seen in Isaiah 66:13, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” His presence is a source of peace and joy.
To God all praise and glory! directs all worship to Him alone. 1 Corinthians 10:31 teaches, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Praise is not for human recognition but to exalt the One who saves. Psalm 115:1 declares, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.” Worship is a declaration of trust in God’s power, love, and righteousness.
This hymn aligns with biblical teachings, pointing to God’s rule, care, and the believer’s response in worship. True praise is not just words but a life lived for His glory.
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Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above lyrics and music by Johann Jakob Schütz, (1675) Public Domain
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