Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow Lyrics
Lyrics
Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow...
All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone
Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
In you there's life everlasting
In you there's freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow
Video
Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow
Meaning & Inspiration
Chris Tomlin's "I Will Follow," released on November 16, 2010, as part of his album *And If Our God Is For Us...*, stands as a powerful and enduring declaration of discipleship in contemporary worship music. This song immediately immerses the spirit in an unwavering commitment to the divine path, a sentiment deeply rooted in Christian tradition and the call of Jesus himself. It’s more than just a song; it’s a profound liturgical expression, a covenantal echo of the heart’s resolve to align completely with God's will and direction, a theme that resonates across generations of believers.
The lyrical narrative of "I Will Follow" is straightforward yet profoundly meaningful, serving as a modern-day reiteration of ancient biblical promises and calls to faith. At its core, the song embodies the radical surrender to Christ, echoing the words of Jesus who said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). The opening lines, "Where you go, I'll go / Where you stay, I'll stay / When you move, I'll move / I will follow," are a testament to an all-encompassing dedication, reminiscent of Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17. This isn't a casual invitation but a life-altering decision, signifying a complete trust in God's leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain or unseen. The commitment extends beyond physical movement to a spiritual alignment, a promise to walk in step with the divine purpose.
The verses expand on the foundation of this trust, proclaiming, "All your ways are good / All your ways are sure / I will trust in you alone / Higher than my side / High above my life / I will trust in you alone." Here, the song anchors the act of following in the absolute goodness and reliability of God's character. It acknowledges the inherent human limitation of perception and understanding, deferring to a divine wisdom that is "higher than my side" (Isaiah 55:8-9). This declaration of trust is not born of ignorance but of conviction, a deep-seated belief that God's plans are perfect and His intentions pure, fostering a peace that transcends human comprehension as described in Philippians 4:7. It's a surrender of personal autonomy, choosing to lean on God’s understanding rather than one’s own (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The chorus further articulates the active dimensions of this discipleship, moving beyond mere physical presence to encompass spiritual and relational imitation: "Who you love, I'll love / How you serve I'll serve / If this life I lose, I will follow you." This commitment to "love" as Christ loved signifies a radical, self-giving compassion towards others, a core command Jesus gave in John 13:34-35. To "serve" as Christ served invokes the humility and sacrificial action exemplified by Jesus who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). The ultimate pledge, "If this life I lose," directly confronts the biblical paradox that "whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25). It's a testament to the ultimate surrender, recognizing that true life is found not in self-preservation, but in laying down one’s self for the Kingdom.
The subsequent verse describes the object of this devotion, declaring Jesus as "Light unto the world / Light unto my life / I will live for you alone / You're the one I seek / Knowing I will find / All I need in you alone." This paints a vivid picture of Christ as the illuminating force and source of all provision, echoing John 8:12 where Jesus proclaims Himself the "light of the world." For a believer, He is the guide through darkness, the ultimate truth, and the sole fulfiller of all spiritual longing. The confident assertion "knowing I will find all I need in you alone" aligns with the promise in Matthew 6:33 to seek first God's Kingdom and righteousness, with all other necessities being provided. It's an affirmation that in Christ, there is no lack, only an abundance of grace and sustenance.
Finally, the bridge encapsulates the profound spiritual blessings that flow from such wholehearted devotion: "In you there's life everlasting / In you there's freedom for my soul / In you there joy, unending joy / and I will follow." These lines reveal the fruit of following Christ – not just duty, but glorious recompense. "Life everlasting" is the promise of eternal life in Him (John 10:28), while "freedom for my soul" speaks to deliverance from sin and spiritual bondage (John 8:36). The "unending joy" reflects the deep, abiding gladness found in God’s presence, distinct from fleeting happiness (Psalm 16:11). These are not temporary benefits but eternal realities, offered to those who choose to continually walk with Him. "I Will Follow" stands as an inspiring anthem for the Christian journey, a constant reminder and powerful encouragement to embrace the radical, transforming call of Christ with unwavering faith and a surrendered heart.