Who Wrote The Classic Hymn ‘God On The Mountain’

The old hymn ‘God on the Mountain’ has been a source of inspiration and comfort for Christians for decades. Its timeless lyrics remind believers that even when life gets difficult, God remains in control. But who actually wrote this beloved song?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The lyrics to ‘God on the Mountain’ were written by Lynda Randle in 1993.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the story behind this popular Christian hymn. We’ll look at who wrote it, the meaning of its lyrics, its widespread popularity, and more.

The Story Behind the Lyrics of ‘God on the Mountain’

Lynda Randle Wrote the Original Lyrics in 1993

The powerful and inspirational hymn ‘God on the Mountain’ was originally written by Southern Gospel singer Lynda Randle in 1993. Randle, known for her rich contralto vocals, was inspired to pen the lyrics after her brother was diagnosed with cancer.

She wanted to write a song that conveyed the message of God’s faithfulness during difficult times of trial. The lyrics poetically depict God as an ever-present help, whether in the mountains or in the valleys of life. Though trouble may come, God remains sovereign.

The Lyrics Were Inspired by Her Brother’s Cancer Diagnosis

In a particularly trying time when her brother was battling cancer, Lynda Randle found comfort and inspiration from the story of Job in the Bible. She was struck by the image of Job worshipping God even after losing everything.

During this painful experience of potentially losing her brother, Randle was reminded of God’s constant presence and His bigger plan. Though the road was difficult, God had not abandoned her or her brother.

This revelation led her to begin writing the lyrics for ‘God on the Mountain’ as a testament to God’s faithfulness in hard times.

Specifically, the chorus utilizes the mountain imagery to evoke life’s highs and lows. Randle sings “Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain, And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known. But things change when you’re down in the valley, Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone.”

This impactful chorus captures the essence of clinging to hope through trials.

The Song Quickly Gained Popularity in Churches and Beyond

Soon after penning the lyrics in 1993, Lynda Randle recorded ‘God on the Mountain’ for her album of the same name. The song quickly resonated with churches and radio stations. Popular Christian radio networks like Air1 played the song regularly.

According to Air1, ‘God on the Mountain’ ranked among their top 10 requested songs in the 1990s. Beyond radio, the hymn gained popularity at churches and worship events around the country.

By the late 90s, ‘God on the Mountain’ was established as modern hymn beloved by Christians across denominations. It appeared in numerous hymnals and choral arrangements. The hymn continues to uplift congregations today through its poetic message of hope anchored in God’s faithfulness.

It remains one of Lynda Randle’s most well-known and best-loved songs. In times of joy and times of sorrow, ‘God on the Mountain’ reminds believers of God’s providence in both life’s mountains and valleys.

Examining the Lyrics and Message of the Hymn

The Chorus Reminds Us That God Remains in Control

The uplifting chorus of “God on the Mountain” declares that even when we are walking through valleys of trials and troubles, God remains sovereign over all. The lyrics remind us that no matter what difficulties we face, God is still in control and continues to reign.

This powerful truth provides comfort and hope to believers in challenging seasons of life.

The Verses Recognize That Life Has Trials

While the chorus focuses on God’s sovereignty, the verses acknowledge the reality of hardship and pain. The opening lines recognize that life often feels like an uphill climb: “Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain, And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known.”

The next verse highlights how quickly circumstances can change: “Things change and you’re down in the valley, don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone.” These honest words validate our struggles and remind us to cling to faith in God in spite of trials.

It Teaches an Important Spiritual Lesson

“God on the Mountain” leaves us with an important lesson: while mountains and valleys will come and go, our faithful God remains constant. Just as mountains symbolize life’s joys and valleys represent times of difficulty, God remains present and in control through it all.

This reminder offers great comfort and hope no matter what season of life we’re in. The hymn beautifully captures how believers can maintain perspective through trials when our focus stays fixed on God.

The Enduring Popularity and Influence of ‘God on the Mountain’

It Became a Hit Song in Christian Music

“God on the Mountain” was originally written and recorded by Lynda Randle in 1993. The contemporary Christian song quickly became a major hit on Christian radio stations and ranked at #1 on charts compiled by CCM Magazine and Christian Research Report.

Its widespread popularity helped establish Randle, who had previously sung background vocals for artists like Bill Gaither, as a leading name in Christian music in her own right.

The Lyrics Connected with Countless Listeners

The inspirational lyrics of “God on the Mountain” resonated with many Christian listeners. Randle sings about how even when circumstances in life seem difficult, God is still present and active. The chorus uses the metaphor of a mountain to describe hardship, with the lyrics: “Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain / And you’ve got peace of mind / Like you’ve never known / But things change when you’re down in the valley / Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone.”

These relatable words about persevering through trials connected with countless believers.

It Has Been Covered by Many Popular Christian Artists

“God on the Mountain” has been widely covered and recorded by other contemporary Christian musicians. Well-known artists like Avalon, Guy Penrod, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Isaacs, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir have all released their own renditions.

These covers have exposed the song to wider audiences and helped cement its status as a modern hymn. On music streaming platforms like Spotify, the original 1993 recording by Lynda Randle has over 1.5 million plays.

Clearly, decades later, this song continues to resonate with Christian listeners as a source of hope and encouragement.

Why This Hymn Has Stood the Test of Time

The Lyrics are Simple but Profound

The lyrics of “God on the Mountain” are deceptively simple, using common words and metaphors that are easy for most people to understand. Yet the message conveyed is profound, speaking to the deep human need for reassurance and hope in difficult times.

The simplicity of the lyrics allows listeners across generations and walks of life to connect with the hymn.

“Life is easy when you’re up on the mountain” evokes the feeling of being on top of the world, when everything is going right. In contrast, “things change when you’re down in the valley” captures the despair of hard times when trouble strikes.

These before-and-after images succinctly depict the ups and downs of life that everyone experiences.

It Speaks to a Common Human Experience

The hymn resonates because it addresses a universal human experience – the feeling of being abandoned or unable to sense God’s presence during periods of trial. The valley is a metaphor for any low point – grief, illness, financial hardship, broken relationships.

The lyrics acknowledge this pain while offering the reassuring reminder that God never truly leaves.

“God on the mountain, is still God in the valley” is a simple but powerful declaration. It validates our feeling of disconnection while affirming God’s constant presence and sovereignty, regardless of circumstances. For believers seeking comfort amid crisis, this is an uplifting anthem of hope.

The Message Remains Relevant and Comforting

Although written in the 1970s, the lyrics of “God on the Mountain” remain relevant because hardship is an enduring part of the human condition. Regardless of changing times, people still battle cancer, wrestle with doubt, grieve lost loved ones.

The hymn brings solace to those navigating these valleys of life.

The hymn has continued relevance because God’s character is unchanging. When we feel abandoned, He remains sovereign. When we cry in despair, He offers hope. Though modern modes of praise have evolved, this classic hymn retains its power to encourage and sustain.

Its simple poignancy provides a meaningful reminder of God’s faithfulness through all seasons of life.

Conclusion

For over 25 years, the lyrics of ‘God on the Mountain’ have continued to inspire and uplift Christians around the world. While life invariably brings trials, Randle’s words remind us that God remains sovereign over it all. Her hymn articulates deep spiritual truths in a simple and relatable way.

No doubt this timeless classic will continue providing hope and encouragement for many more years to come.