Fred Hammond - I Press Lyrics
Lyrics
(verse 1)
Since you hooked up with the Savior
And laid your life down, come on
Didn't let nothin' fade you
Cause you were heaven bound
The gentle rains in your life just got an upgrade
To a hurricane, come on say
In the hands of the master
It seems like you gotta fight and scratch just to remain
(channel A)
You're gona maki it to the end believe it
Until then
(Chorus)
I press
Say that you're gonna press my friend
Still I press
You're gonna hang on in there 'till the end say
I press
You know the king of glory is with you
Still I press
Go in his name and he'll see ya through say
I press
(verse 2)
My foad is not always easy
Nobody said it would be
And if you use the word perfect
I know you're not referring to me
But here's what I do
Forget the junk behind me
I set my sights on his high calling
(channel B)
And by faith I'll apprehand, yeah, yeah
Until then
(Chorus)
(vamp)
Till I become what he wants me to be, yeah, I press
This is the goal and the prize that I reach for, I press
Video
I Press
Meaning & Inspiration
Fred Hammond’s "I Press," released on March 21, 2000, as part of his album "Purpose By Design," stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit required in the journey of faith. Far from offering a saccharine view of spiritual life, the song immediately confronts the listener with the stark reality that embracing a relationship with the Savior does not eliminate trials; rather, it often intensifies them. The initial lyrical observation, that "the gentle rains in your life just got an upgrade to a hurricane," powerfully articulates the Christian experience where, paradoxically, commitment to Christ can usher in significant challenges, testing one's resolve. This truth finds echoes in the words of Jesus himself in John 16:33, where He assures His followers, "In this world you will have trouble," yet immediately follows with the comforting declaration, "But take heart! I have overcome the world." Hammond’s raw honesty in describing the need to "fight and scratch just to remain" resonates deeply with anyone navigating the complexities of a life dedicated to spiritual principles.
The unwavering refrain, "I press," becomes the song's core declaration and spiritual anchor, a resolute commitment to perseverance despite adversity. It’s an anthem of endurance, a firm refusal to yield under pressure. This pressing is not a solo endeavor; the song swiftly reminds us that "the king of glory is with you" and that He "will see ya through," anchoring our resolve in divine companionship. This assurance aligns perfectly with Matthew 28:20, where Jesus promises, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age," and Isaiah 41:10, which encourages us not to fear, for God will "strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The instruction to "go in his name" signifies acting with His authority and power, trusting that His presence guarantees victory, not an absence of struggle, but triumph within it.
As the song progresses, it delves into the deeply personal and relatable aspects of this persistent journey. The admission, "My road is not always easy," and the humble acknowledgment, "if you use the word perfect, I know you're not referring to me," dismantle any illusion of flawless spirituality, making the message accessible and authentic. It is in this vulnerability that the song introduces its profound directive: "Forget the junk behind me. I set my sights on his high calling." This powerful statement directly mirrors the Apostle Paul's profound declaration in Philippians 3:13-14, which serves as the foundational scripture for this entire message: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Hammond captures the essence of this biblical mandate, urging believers to release the weight of past failures, regrets, and disappointments, and instead, fix their gaze intently on the divine purpose and destiny awaiting them. This "high calling" represents not merely an earthly ambition but a celestial summons to fulfill God's unique design for each individual.
The ultimate motivation for this relentless pressing is unveiled in the song's heartfelt vamp: "Till I become what he wants me to be, yeah, I press. This is the goal and the prize that I reach for, I press." Here, the purpose of perseverance transcends mere survival; it becomes a transformative pursuit of spiritual maturity and conformity to Christ's image. This aspiration resonates deeply with Romans 8:29, which speaks of being "conformed to the image of his Son," and 2 Corinthians 3:18, describing the process by which we "are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory." "I Press" is more than just a song; it is a profound spiritual manual, a dynamic call to embrace the challenges of faith with divine courage, to let go of yesterday's burdens, and to relentlessly pursue the prize of becoming fully who God intends us to be. It serves as an inspiring anthem for anyone navigating the demanding yet incredibly rewarding path of a Christ-centered life, continually encouraging us to lean into His strength and relentlessly move forward, knowing the King of Glory walks with us toward our ultimate transformation.