Hillsong Worship - Desert Song Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
Verse 2:
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
Chorus:
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
Verse 3:
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
Bridge:
All of my life in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
Video
Desert Song - Hillsong Worship
Meaning & Inspiration
Released as part of Hillsong Worship's 2008 album, "This Is Our God," "Desert Song" emerges as a powerful testament to unwavering faith, even in the most trying circumstances. The song’s genesis seems rooted in the profound human experience of facing adversity, painting vivid imagery of arid landscapes and desperate need, a metaphor for spiritual or emotional dryness. The opening verses immediately establish a dialogue of supplication and trust, reflecting the ancient cry of the Psalmist in Psalm 63:1, "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." This isn't merely a lament; it's an active declaration of belief in a God who faithfully provides, echoing the promise in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
The song's progression through various trials—fire, weakness, pain, and battle—demonstrates a mature understanding of the Christian walk. The mention of faith proven more precious than gold directly calls to mind 1 Peter 1:7, which speaks of trials testing our faith like fire tests gold, ultimately revealing its enduring worth. The prayer for refinement through the flame is a courageous surrender, acknowledging that hardship can be a crucible for spiritual growth, shaping us into a stronger, more resilient vessel for God’s purposes. This is beautifully aligned with the prophet Isaiah's assurance in Isaiah 48:10, "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction." The chorus serves as the anthem of this unwavering stance, proclaiming a defiant joy and declaration of victory. The assertion that "no weapon formed against me shall remain" is a direct echo of Isaiah 54:17, a cornerstone promise of divine protection and vindication. It’s a bold declaration that God Himself is the source of victory and His presence is a tangible reality, a theme that permeates Scripture from the Exodus narrative to the present day.
The bridge broadens the scope, extending this declaration of faith across the entirety of life, through every season, whether abundant or lean. It’s a recognition of God's unchanging nature, His sovereignty that transcends our temporal circumstances. This speaks to the enduring truth found in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." The song concludes with a reflection on the season of harvest and sowing, not as a time for passive reception but active generosity. The idea of being "filled to be emptied again" and sowing the seeds received is a powerful illustration of the principle of stewardship and the mandate to be a blessing to others, mirroring Jesus' teaching in Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and the agricultural parables that underscore the importance of fruitful labor for God's kingdom. Ultimately, "Desert Song" is an anthem for those who choose to lift their voices in praise and declaration, not when life is easy, but precisely when it is most challenging, holding fast to the immutable promises of a God who is always present and always provides.