Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk, and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His album Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002, and Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
Oh God You Are My God
Fernando Ortega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Earnestly I seek you
My Soul thirsts for you,
My flesh yearns for you
In a dry and weary land
Where there is no water
I remember you at night
I sing because you helped me
My soul clings to you
And your hand upholds me
You alone
In this song, Fernando Ortega expresses his deep longing for God in a land where there is no water. The lyrics are a reflection of the Psalmist’s cry in Psalm 63:1: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” These words of yearning and desperation in the face of spiritual wilderness are powerfully and poetically conveyed in the song.
Ortega’s soulful voice and simple piano melody create an atmosphere of intimacy and vulnerability, inviting the listener to join in the longing for God’s presence. The imagery of being in a “dry and weary land” without water reinforces the theme of dependence on God for sustenance, both physically and spiritually. The Psalmist’s memory of God’s help and protection in the past gives strength for the present and future, as he clings to God and trusts in His hand to uphold him.
Overall, “Oh God You Are My God” is a beautiful expression of the human heart’s deepest desire for connection with God in the midst of life’s trials and challenges. It reassures the listener that even in the most difficult of circumstances, God is present and able to sustain and guide us through.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh God, you are my God
I am devoted to you as my God
Earnestly I seek you
I am actively searching for you with deep sincerity
My soul thirsts for you
My inner being longs for a meaningful connection with you
My flesh yearns for you
My physical body also yearns for the blessings of your presence
In a dry and weary land
In a place where life is tough and harsh
Where there is no water
Where there is no source of refreshment, comfort or hope
I remember you at night
During long, lonely and uncomfortable nights, I think of you
Through the watches of the night in the shadow of your wings
Under the comforting protection of your divine care, I find solace in darkness
I sing because you helped me
I express my gratitude to you with joyful singing, because you have aided me
My soul clings to you
My innermost being is deeply attached to you
And your hand upholds me
You provide me with the strength and support I need to face life's challenges
You alone
Only you, and no one else, can satisfy my soul's deepest needs
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JUAN FERNANDO ORGEGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacob Russell Davison
God has wonderfully blessed Fernando Ortega with a beautiful voice; and blessed us with Fernando Ortega. His voice sounds like an actual flute at the end of this song, its so pure. Thank you Lord for being so good to us all
Joke of the Day
I guess this is so powerful because it is GOD'S word. It truly
speaks to my heart.
Ann Usher
Fernando put the deep heart emotions of the psalmist’s heart into this beloved Psalm 63. It takes to the Throne.
God Alone, God Alone
JJ van den Heuvel
How beautiful
Ruby Wilfong
This is one of my favorite scriptures, and I asked my Mama to embroider it for me when I was a young girl. I still have it, my precious treasure. Thank you for the song!
Daniel Adams
Yeshua is Lord
Elise Weatherly
I have spent thousands on music, given away thousands to 'churches' and have gotten not a penny in return. Thank you, ThePictureTaker for encouraging people to support us a little.
Elise Weatherly
@Stevenowski No, the reason I gave is because I was dup'd and tricked. If they just would have told me the truth I would have saved the money for others that actually love me. Please don't condemn me without even knowing me. Only God knows the true motives of the heart and He has exonerated me. You make me want to stop telling people what's happened because they reject and then the truth-teller is to blame. Don't do that.
Stevenowski
For all the thousands that you spent on music and giving away to churches with the expectation of getting something in return, gives indication that you gave it away for the wrong reason in the first place! Do not be a Pharisee standing on the street corner! You're in my prayers. 🙏
Cleiton Alves de Oliveira
Psalm 63 as a poem-song is a blessing by F Ortega voice.