City Harvest Church - Father We Declare That We Love You Lyrics
Lyrics
Father we declare that we love You
We declare our everlasting love for You
Father we declare that we love You
We declare our everlasting love for You
We lift up our eyes above the troubles
In our land and together we stand
To declare You as King
In times like these we choose to praise You
For it’s You
It’s You who really matters
You are worthy of our praise
And we will say that You are good
And all the miracles You’ve done have brought us joy
For we are changed and all the hopes we have
We place in You right now
Father we declare that we love You
We declare our everlasting love for You
Father we declare that we love You
We declare our everlasting love for You
Video
Father We Declare-City Harvest
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 21, 2013, City Harvest Church's "Father We Declare That We Love You" stands as a profound declaration of unwavering devotion and steadfast faith, particularly relevant in moments when life's landscape feels uncertain. The song’s essence isn't rooted in a complex narrative but in the universal Christian experience of choosing God above all else, especially when faced with adversity. It speaks to the core identity of a believer who, regardless of external circumstances, intentionally turns their affection and allegiance towards the divine. This is a hymn of resolve, a congregational affirmation that love for God is not merely an emotion but a deliberate, enduring commitment that shapes perspective and inspires resilience.
The opening lines, "Father we declare that we love You / We declare our everlasting love for You," establish a powerful mandate of active adoration. This isn't a passive sentiment but an intentional proclamation, echoing the greatest commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). The phrase "everlasting love" mirrors God's own enduring affection for humanity, as described in Jeremiah 31:3, and serves as a response, signifying a love that is intended to be as steadfast and unending as His own. This foundational declaration prepares the heart for the subsequent themes of focus and praise.
The song then shifts its attention to navigating difficulties, urging believers to "lift up our eyes above the troubles / In our land and together we stand To declare You as King." This imagery immediately calls to mind Psalm 121:1-2, where the psalmist looks to the hills, recognizing that help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. It’s a conscious decision to redirect focus from earthly anxieties – the "troubles in our land" – towards the heavenly Father. The corporate emphasis, "together we stand," reinforces the unity of faith, a collective act of worship and defiance against despair, affirming God's sovereign reign even amidst chaos. This act of declaring Him as King in times of trouble aligns with biblical examples like the children of Israel praising God before battle (2 Chronicles 20:21-22), acknowledging that His dominion transcends any earthly challenge.
This commitment to praise deepens with the lines, "In times like these we choose to praise You / For it’s You It’s You who really matters / You are worthy of our praise." This is a profound statement of priorities. Praise is presented not as a spontaneous reaction to good circumstances, but as a deliberate choice made "in times like these," echoing Habakkuk’s resolve to rejoice in the Lord even when the fig tree does not blossom and the fields yield no food (Habakkuk 3:17-19). The recognition that "it’s You who really matters" cuts through worldly distractions, centering all hope and value in God alone, a sentiment articulated by Paul in Philippians 3:8, where he counts everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. The affirmation of God's worthiness, "You are worthy of our praise," resonates with countless scriptures, from the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 18:3) to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, where heavenly beings ceaselessly declare His glory (Revelation 4:11).
The thematic arc culminates in a joyful testament to God's goodness and transformative power: "And we will say that You are good / And all the miracles You’ve done have brought us joy / For we are changed and all the hopes we have We place in You right now." Declaring God as good is a core affirmation of His character, a truth reiterated throughout Scripture, as in Psalm 100:5, "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever." The joy derived from "miracles You’ve done" points to God's active involvement in human history and individual lives, whether through creation, salvation, or daily provision. This experience of divine intervention leads to personal transformation, acknowledging that "we are changed," reflecting the promise of new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Finally, placing "all the hopes we have in You right now" anchors the believer's future securely in God, who is described as our hope (1 Timothy 1:1) and the anchor of our souls (Hebrews 6:19). This isn't a distant hope, but an immediate, present-day reliance, demonstrating absolute trust. The song then circles back to its initial declaration, reinforcing the core message of love, making it a complete journey of declaration, perspective, praise, and hope—all rooted in an everlasting love for God. "Father We Declare That We Love You" serves as a robust anthem for anyone seeking to affirm their faith and encourage fellow believers to remain steadfast, drawing strength from their relationship with God through every season of life.