Hillsong UNITED - Bless The Lord Lyrics
Lyrics
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house They are ever praising You Blessed are those whose strength is in You Whose hearts are set on our God And we will go from strength to strength Until we see You face to face
Hear our prayer O Lord God Almighty Come bless our land As we seek You Worship You
For You are holy For You are holy For You are holy Lord
Hear our prayer
O Lord God Almighty
Come bless our land
As we seek You
Worship You
Video
Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Meaning & Inspiration
Hillsong UNITED's "Bless The Lord," featured on their 2011 album "Aftermath," stands as a powerful testament to the enduring truths found in ancient Scripture, translating timeless psalms into a contemporary worship anthem. This song doesn't just offer a melody; it provides a profound theological reflection and a corporate prayer, drawing listeners into a shared declaration of faith and a yearning for divine encounter. Its release heralded a piece of music that would deeply resonate with those seeking a deeper connection to God's promises and His presence.
The very essence of "Bless The Lord" is built upon the foundational idea of flourishing in God's presence, echoing the blessed state described in Psalm 84. The song opens by declaring blessing upon those who genuinely inhabit God’s spiritual dwelling, those whose lives are characterized by unceasing adoration. This isn't merely about physical proximity to a building, but a sustained spiritual intimacy, a lifestyle of praise that reflects a heart fully engaged with the divine. Such an existence, saturated in worship, brings a unique and profound joy, reminiscent of the Psalmist's longing to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, to gaze upon His beauty and inquire in His temple (Psalm 27:4).
The narrative then expands to celebrate those whose very strength is rooted in the Almighty, whose deepest desires and aspirations are firmly fixed on Him. This concept directly mirrors Psalm 84:5, affirming that true resilience and power come not from human effort or worldly resources, but from a divine source. It calls to mind the profound truth from Nehemiah 8:10 that "the joy of the Lord is your strength," and the promise in Isaiah 40:31 that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, soaring on wings like eagles. Such individuals embark on a spiritual journey, progressing "from strength to strength," a beautiful illustration of continuous spiritual growth and increasing glory, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18. This pilgrimage culminates in the ultimate aspiration of faith: seeing God "face to face," a glorious promise of unhindered communion, where we will know fully, even as we are fully known, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 13:12.
The song transitions from these affirmations of personal and corporate blessing into a fervent intercessory prayer. "Hear our prayer, O Lord God Almighty," is a humble yet confident plea to the sovereign Ruler of all. This section pivots from individual blessedness to a collective longing for God's divine intervention, specifically for the land itself. The powerful request, "Come bless our land, as we seek You, worship You," encapsulates a deep understanding of scriptural principles for national flourishing. It mirrors the covenantal promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God declares that if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. This isn't a passive request; it's an active engagement, recognizing that a nation's well-being is inextricably linked to the spiritual posture of its people, their active pursuit of God, and their genuine devotion to Him.
Crucially, the entire song is anchored in the repeated, emphatic declaration: "For You are holy, for You are holy, for You are holy Lord." This triple affirmation of God’s holiness isn't just a simple repetition for effect; it’s a profound theological statement, grounding all worship, all prayer, and all blessing in the unchangeable character of God. His holiness—His absolute purity, separateness, and moral perfection—is the bedrock upon which all faith stands. It's His inherent worthiness that compels worship and makes Him the ultimate object of our seeking. This echoing cry resonates with the seraphim's declaration in Isaiah 6:3 and the heavenly hosts' ceaseless praise in Revelation 4:8, solidifying the truth that God’s majestic holiness is the reason for our reverence, our trust, and our every heartfelt plea. "Bless The Lord" therefore serves not only as a song of praise but as an inspiring reminder that our greatest blessings flow from our devotion to a holy God, and our prayers for our world find their power in His unchanging nature.