Hillsong UNITED - River Lyrics
Lyrics
I lift my eyes to Your throne
Lord as I lose myself in You
The song in my heart will be
Your alone
My treasure is in the Cross
Jesus I love to meet You There
I hunger and thirst for You
Now flood my soul
Chorus
River of Love
River of Healing
Holly Spirit flow
River of Grace
River of Mercy flow
River of Peace
River of Promise
Holy Spirit flow
River of Joy
River of Blessing flow
Video
Open Heaven (River Wild) Lyric Video - Hillsong Worship
Meaning & Inspiration
Hillsong UNITED's powerful anthem, "River," released on October 15, 2015, as part of the *Open Heaven (River Wild)* project, stands as a profound exploration of God's relentless pursuit and transformative presence in our lives. The song paints a vivid picture of the Holy Spirit as a mighty river, constantly flowing, carving paths through even the most barren landscapes of our hearts. Its message is deeply rooted in biblical imagery, particularly the prophecies found in Isaiah 43:19, which speaks of God making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This divine outpouring is not a passive event but an active, overwhelming force that seeks to refresh, cleanse, and empower us.
The central theme of "River" is the immersive, all-encompassing nature of God's love and grace. It’s not a gentle stream but a powerful flood that overflows, a testament to His abundant provision and ceaseless activity in the world and within believers. This imagery directly echoes Jesus' words in John 7:38, where He promised that those who believe in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from within them. The song captures the spirit of this promise, encouraging listeners to surrender to this divine current, to be carried by its power, and to allow it to reshape them. It speaks to a yearning for a deeper, more tangible experience of God's presence, a desire to be completely saturated by His spirit, much like the Psalmist’s cry in Psalm 42:7, “Your waterfalls roar and crash, your waves surge over me.”
The beauty of "River" lies in its ability to articulate a deep theological truth through accessible and inspiring language. It’s a declaration of faith in a God who is not distant or reserved, but intimately involved, His love a force that moves with unstoppable momentum. The song encourages a posture of openness, inviting listeners to acknowledge their own deserts – the dry places in their lives, the spiritual parchedness – and to believe that God’s river is more than capable of bringing life and sustenance. This is a God who doesn't just quench thirst but overflows, a God who doesn't just create paths but transforms landscapes. It is an invitation to embrace the full, uncontainable nature of His Spirit, to be not just touched by His presence, but to be utterly swept away by it, allowing His living water to bring forth a flourishing life.