Few gospel songs in modern history have achieved the cross-genre, cross-denominational reach of "Goodness of God," and the definitive live rendition by CeCe Winans has cemented its place as a contemporary worship staple. As of the current date in December 2025, the song continues to dominate charts and airwaves, fueled by recent high-profile performances and major awards that underscore its timeless message of divine faithfulness.
This powerful anthem, recorded live for her Grammy-winning album *Believe For It*, transcends mere music; it is a profound declaration of faith that has resonated with millions globally, earning CeCe Winans one of the biggest hits of her legendary career. The story behind her version—from its origins to its record-breaking impact—is as inspiring as the lyrics themselves.
CeCe Winans: A Biographical Profile of the Queen of Gospel
Priscilla Marie Winans Love, known professionally as CeCe Winans, is an American gospel singer who holds the distinction of being the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time.
- Full Name: Priscilla Marie Winans Love
- Born: October 8, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan
- Family: Part of the legendary Winans family, a dynasty in gospel music. She is the sister of BeBe Winans.
- Early Career: Gained initial fame in the 1980s as half of the dynamic duo BeBe & CeCe Winans.
- Solo Career Launch: Began her solo career in 1995 with the release of the album *Alone in His Presence*, which earned her a Grammy Award and two Dove Awards.
- Accolades: She is a multiple-time Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award winner, and has a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame.
- Key Albums: *Alone in His Presence* (1995), *Everlasting Love* (1998), *Throne Room* (2003), and the live album *Believe For It* (2021), which features "Goodness of God."
The Full Lyrics: A Testament to Unfailing Faith
The core of the song's widespread appeal lies in its simple yet profound lyrical message. The words are a personal, intimate worship experience, declaring God's unwavering faithfulness from the moment one wakes up until they lay their head down at night. The CeCe Winans version, recorded live, captures a raw, authentic energy that elevates the text.
"Goodness of God" (CeCe Winans Live Version)
Verse 1
I love You, Lord
Oh, Your mercy never fails me
All my days I've been held in Your hand
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus
'Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Verse 2
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest nights, You've been close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
And I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus
'Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Bridge
Your goodness is running after, it's running after me
Your goodness is running after, it's running after me
With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it's running after me
Chorus
'Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
The Phenomenal Impact: Awards, Performances, and Global Reach
While the song was originally recorded by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson, the rendition by CeCe Winans—featured on her 2021 live album *Believe For It*—catapulted it into a new stratosphere of popularity. Her powerful, faith-filled delivery transformed the track into a staple for churches, weddings, and personal worship playlists worldwide.
1. Billboard Music Awards Victory (2023)
The song's commercial success was officially recognized when CeCe Winans accepted the Top Gospel Song Award for "Goodness of God" at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs). This prestigious award solidified its position as one of the most successful gospel tracks of the year, demonstrating its crossover appeal beyond traditional gospel charts.
2. Record-Breaking American Idol Performance (2024)
One of the most significant recent milestones occurred in 2024. CeCe Winans performed "Goodness of God" as a duet with *American Idol* contestant Roman Collins on the Season 22 finale. This performance wasn't just a highlight of the season; it became the most viewed *American Idol* performance of all time, reaching over 120 million views and introducing the worship song to an enormous mainstream audience.
3. Chart Dominance and Album Success
The track’s commercial performance has been remarkable. It peaked at No. 6 on the Hot Christian Songs chart and climbed to No. 2 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. It was also a key factor in the massive success of the *Believe For It* album, which itself earned multiple Grammy Awards and GMA Dove Awards, including Gospel Worship Album of the Year.
Topical Authority: The Songwriters and the Original Vision
To fully appreciate the song, it is important to acknowledge its origins. "Goodness of God" was originally recorded by Bethel Music, featuring Jenn Johnson. The song was a collaborative effort, written by five key songwriters: Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, and Jenn Johnson.
Jenn Johnson shared that she wrote the song when she and her family made the decision to adopt their fourth son, a personal moment of reflection on God's unwavering care. This deeply personal origin story is what gives the lyrics their universal resonance, framing God's goodness not just as a theological concept, but as a tangible, active force—the goodness that is "running after" us. The song was nominated for the 2020 GMA Dove Award for Worship Recorded Song of the Year, even before CeCe Winans’ version brought it global fame.
The CeCe Winans Difference: Authentic Anointing
CeCe Winans’ rendition is characterized by her signature powerful, yet controlled, vocal delivery and the authentic live worship atmosphere captured on the recording. Her version, often performed in the key of A♭ and at a tempo of 63 BPM, is a masterclass in gospel music production. She takes the already beloved worship anthem and infuses it with decades of gospel authority, giving the bridge—"Your goodness is running after, it's running after me"—a declarative, life-changing weight that few other artists can match.
For fans and worship leaders seeking to replicate the power of this version, the availability of MultiTracks and the consistent demand for its sheet music underscores its lasting influence in contemporary worship settings. The song is a powerful reminder that regardless of life's circumstances, the faithfulness of God is a constant, ever-present reality, a message that continues to make "Goodness of God" a global phenomenon.
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