The Lord God Reigns!

When did a piece of music last stop you in your tracks? The song of heaven in Revelation 19 is one every believer is invited to join.

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns’” (Revelation 19:6).

It was a moment that changed his life!

In the summer of 1741, a friend and writer sent composer George Frederick Handel a letter containing the essence of a libretto, a script with several key quotations from the Bible. Suddenly inspired, Handel immediately immersed himself in composition.

It was an experience so intense, it’s said that, quoting Paul, Handel recalled, “Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it, I know not. God knows.” A visitor found Handel weeping openly as he worked, caught up in the words and music.

While writing the “Hallelujah Chorus,” Handel is said to have seen “Heaven opened and the host of it worshiping the Glory of God.” Overwhelmed by this glimpse of Heaven, he wrote music that still rings down through the ages. In just over three weeks, Handel completed “The Messiah,” a monumental work of heavenly inspiration.

From the beginning, listeners knew it was special—even anointed. Legend reports that at the first London performance, King George II was so moved by the “Hallelujah Chorus,” he stood and remained standing until the chorus was concluded, thus beginning a tradition that continues to this day. Heaven is filled with His praises. Join the multitudes of the ages in singing, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!”

Reflection Question: What music can you listen to that celebrates God’s greatness and majesty?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do audiences traditionally stand during the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Tradition holds that King George II rose to his feet at a London performance and the audience followed suit, since custom required everyone to stand when the king stood. Historians note the earliest written record of this story dates to decades after the event, so its precise origin is debated.

What does it mean that “the Lord our God the Almighty reigns”?

It’s a declaration that God’s rule is present tense, not just future—He reigns now, over current circumstances, not only at the end of history.

How can worship music strengthen my faith day to day?

Music rehearses truth in a way that sticks. Choosing songs that declare who God is—rather than only how we feel—can reset your focus during ordinary weeks, not just Sunday mornings.