Hillsong UNITED - Stronger Than Lyrics
Lyrics
Oh Lord You have shown Your favour
Your every word stands true
I'm found safe within in Your harbour
Anchored deep in You
You washed away my tears
Gave me joy and freedom
Lifting me through the years
Your love is stronger than
The sound of heaven's praises
Higher than
The lofty mountain peaks
Deeper than
The deepest ocean valleys
Strong enough for me
Video
Stronger Than - Hillsong
Meaning & Inspiration
"Stronger Than," a deeply resonant offering from Hillsong UNITED, released on January 16, 2000, as part of their album *Best Friend: United Live*, stands as a powerful declaration of God’s boundless might and unwavering affection. This enduring anthem transcends mere musicality to present a profound theological truth, inviting all who listen into a vital contemplation of divine supremacy and a love that knows no limits.
The essence of "Stronger Than" lies in its heartfelt articulation of finding complete solace and strength in the Lord. It traces a personal journey from vulnerability to absolute assurance, painting a vivid picture of God’s persistent intervention and steadfast support through every season. The song begins with a posture of gratitude, acknowledging divine favor and the unwavering reliability of God’s promises. The opening lines, recognizing the Lord’s favor and the truthfulness of His every word, immediately bring to mind the steadfastness highlighted in Psalm 30:5, which assures us that His favor lasts a lifetime, and Psalm 33:4, affirming that "the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." This foundation of divine faithfulness sets the stage for a testimony of refuge.
The imagery of being "found safe within Your harbour / Anchored deep in You" beautifully illustrates a profound sense of security and stability that can only be found in God. This powerful metaphor mirrors the assurance found in Hebrews 6:19, where hope in Christ is described as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." It speaks to God as an ultimate sanctuary, a steadfast haven amidst life’s turbulent seas, echoing the comfort of Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." The narrative continues with a transformative account: "You washed away my tears / Gave me joy and freedom / Lifting me through the years." This sequence speaks to the liberating power of God’s grace, moving from sorrow to profound joy and emancipation. It aligns with the promise of Revelation 21:4, where God "will wipe every tear from their eyes," and the truth of Psalm 30:5 that "weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." The mention of "freedom" resonates with the liberty Christ provides (Galatians 5:1), and God's consistent "lifting" through the years speaks to His sustaining power, a concept vividly portrayed in Isaiah 40:31: "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."
The chorus serves as the song's apex, a series of unparalleled declarations about God's love: "Your love is stronger than / The sound of heaven's praises / Higher than / The lofty mountain peaks / Deeper than / The deepest ocean valleys / Strong enough for me." The assertion that God’s love is "stronger than the sound of heaven's praises" is particularly profound, suggesting that even the most glorious and ceaseless adoration offered in the heavenly realms cannot fully encapsulate or define the sheer magnitude and inherent power of God’s love. It posits that His love is not merely an attribute, but the very essence of His being, the foundational source from which all worship flows, surpassing any created expression, however magnificent. This aligns with 1 John 4:8, declaring that "God is love" itself. To say His love is "higher than the lofty mountain peaks" speaks to its immeasurable transcendence, reaching beyond all earthly comprehension and grandeur, much like Psalm 36:5 states, "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens." Complementing this, "deeper than the deepest ocean valleys" illustrates the unfathomable breadth and penetration of His love, reaching into every hidden despair and profound struggle, echoing Ephesians 3:18-19, which speaks of grasping "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge." The culmination, "Strong enough for me," brings these cosmic declarations to a deeply personal and intimate level. It reassures us that this immense, immeasurable love is not abstract but intimately sufficient and relevant for every individual's specific needs and weaknesses, reaffirming the truth found in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
"Stronger Than" brilliantly transitions from a personal testimony of deliverance to a universal declaration of God's unmatched character. It serves as an enduring anthem of trust, urging all to lean into the foundational truth of God's love. More than just a song, it is a spiritual affirmation, continually reinforcing the glorious truth that in Christ, we are embraced by a love that is utterly supreme, profoundly reliable, and intensely personal. This composition passionately encourages every individual to wholeheartedly embrace this divine love, understanding with complete assurance that His love is, indeed, eternally strong enough for each and every one of us.