Hillsong UNITED - I Live For You Lyrics
Lyrics
Look across the world
And let us shine for you, Lord
The whole world is yours
And I want to live for you
One thing I know
Is that you've changed my life
I give you my all
All you are is good
Give you my heart
God it's only you I seek
Give you my praise
'Cause I believe in you
Look across the world
And let us shine for you, Lord
The whole world is yours
And I want to live for you, O God
All that I know
Is that you've changed my life
I give you my all
And all you are is good
Carry the lost
Make my prayer in this life real
Carry my cross
Hold on 'til I see you
Look across the world
And let us shine for you, Lord
The whole world is yours
And I want to live for you, O God
And I want to live
I want to love you more
I want to be used
Father in all of the world
May your word be heard
May it stay on my lips
Live what I speak
Until your kingdom come
Look across the world
And let us shine for you
And let us shine for you
Look across the world
And let us shine for you, Lord
The whole world is yours
And I want to live for you
Look across the world
And let us shine for you, Lord
The whole world is yours
And I want to live for you
And I want to live for you
And I want to live for you
Video
I Simply Live for You - Hillsong Worship
Meaning & Inspiration
"I Live For You," a profound declaration of faith by Hillsong UNITED, was released on January 16, 2000, as part of their album, "Best Friend: United Live." This song, even decades after its debut, continues to resonate deeply within the Christian community, serving as a timeless anthem of surrender and purpose. Its essence is a wholehearted commitment to a divine life, moving beyond casual religious observance to an active, demonstrable devotion to God, and inspiring individuals to embody their faith in every aspect of their existence.
The core narrative of "I Live For You" centers on radical transformation and subsequent dedication. It opens with a global perspective, envisioning believers shining forth God's light across the earth, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation. This expansive view immediately narrows to the intensely personal, as the singer proclaims that God has profoundly altered their life. This change isn't merely intellectual assent but a deeply felt spiritual rebirth that compels an offering of "my all." The foundation for this complete surrender is an unshakeable belief in God's inherent goodness, an attribute often celebrated in Scripture, such as in Psalm 34:8, which invites us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." This conviction inspires an unwavering pursuit, articulated through the giving of one's heart and praise, reflecting the biblical call to seek God with all one's being, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
The song then shifts from personal devotion to outward manifestation, reiterating the desire for believers to "shine for you, Lord" across the world. This isn't a passive wish but an active commitment to make one's faith visible and impactful, drawing parallels to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14-16, where His followers are called the "light of the world" whose good deeds should illuminate others and glorify God. This shining is intrinsically linked to active discipleship, specifically in the command to "carry the lost" and "make my prayer in this life real." This reflects the compassionate heart of God for those who are spiritually adrift, reminding us of Jesus' own lament over the lost sheep (Matthew 9:36) and the urgency of prayer for their salvation.
Central to this commitment is the challenging but essential call to "carry my cross." This powerful image directly echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24, where He instructs His followers to "deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." It signifies a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christ, even in the face of adversity, recognizing that true discipleship often involves hardship. The journey is not without end, as the song expresses a longing to "hold on 'til I see you," capturing the blessed hope of eternity with God, a theme deeply rooted in biblical promises of future glory and reunion, as mentioned in Philippians 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven."
The aspiration deepens with the desire to "love you more," "be used," and for God's "word be heard" and to "stay on my lips." This expresses a yearning for greater intimacy with God and a practical application of faith, seeking to be an instrument in His hands. The emphasis on God's Word being heard and lived speaks to the transformative power of Scripture (Psalm 119:105) and the necessity of not just hearing but doing, as James 1:22 instructs. The ultimate aspiration, "Live what I speak until your kingdom come," encapsulates the holistic nature of this devotion. It’s a commitment to align one's actions with one's confession, living as an ambassador of God's reign on earth, actively participating in the expansion of His kingdom, and eagerly anticipating its full realization, echoing the prayer "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" from Matthew 6:10. Through its earnest lyrics, "I Live For You" delivers a timeless and potent message, challenging all who engage with it to embrace a life defined by unwavering devotion, active service, and an eternal perspective, truly living for the God who transforms and sustains.