For we know the truth
Your truth has set us free
In Your name Lord
We have been released
You are here with us
You are here with us
We are saved Lord
Freedom is our hope
Never looking back
Jesus You are Lord
We gave all to You
We gave all to You
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
Chains are broken
Eyes are open
Christ is with us
Christ is with us
We believe Lord
For the son is free
He is free indeed
All our sin is gone
We have been redeemed
Jesus take it all
Jesus take it all
Open wide the gates of heaven
Fill our hearts
As we surrender
Lord let Your presence fall
Lord let Your presence fall
Open wide the gates of heaven
We will worship
You forever
Lord let Your presence fall
Lord let Your presence fall
Where The Spirit of The Lord Is
Where The Spirit of The Lord Is Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on August 4, 2017, Hillsong Worship's "Where The Spirit of the Lord Is" immediately resonates with a profound biblical truth, its title drawn directly from the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. The song doesn't just borrow a phrase; it seeks to explore and express the reality that accompanies the presence of God's Spirit in our lives and in our midst. It's a musical contemplation on the transformative power and freeing nature inherent in the very air the Spirit breathes. The message is clear: the Spirit isn't a distant concept, but an active, liberating force wherever He is present, and this presence is accessible to believers.
The core of the song's meaning is anchored in 2 Corinthians 3:17, which declares, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." The song unpacks this liberating truth, inviting those singing or listening to consider the implications of the Spirit's dwelling. It speaks to a freedom far deeper than political or physical liberation – a spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin, fear, and the limitations of living apart from God. This liberty allows for a direct, unhindered relationship with the divine, a theme echoed in Ephesians 2:18, where we read that through Christ, "we both have access in one Spirit to the Father." The song positions the Spirit's presence not merely as comfort, but as the very source of authentic, unchained existence in God.
Beyond freedom, the song touches on the atmosphere the Spirit creates – a place of peace, power, and authentic worship. When the Spirit is present, drawing near to God isn't a strained effort but a natural response to His nearness, fulfilling the promise in James 4:8 that as we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. This divine proximity cultivates an environment where true worship flourishes, as described in John 4:23-24, where God seeks those who will worship Him "in spirit and truth," recognizing that "God is spirit." The song thus becomes an invitation to step into that spiritual reality, acknowledging that the sacred space isn't limited to a building or a specific time, but is manifested wherever the Spirit of the Lord is welcomed.
Musically, the song supports its weighty message with a soundscape that feels both spacious and potent. It begins with a calm, almost atmospheric quality, creating a sense of reverence and anticipation for God's presence. As the song progresses, it builds with a gentle yet powerful intensity, mirroring the growing awareness and experience of the Spirit's work. There's a sense of lifting and expansion in the melody and instrumentation, which feels congruent with the theme of liberty. The arrangement avoids being overly complex, allowing the message to remain central, yet it possesses a richness that enhances the feeling of awe and wonder. The instrumentation serves to create a backdrop that feels both intimate and expansive, suitable for personal reflection and corporate worship alike, facilitating an environment where hearts can genuinely respond to the truth being sung.
Ultimately, "Where The Spirit of the Lord Is" is more than just a worship tune; it's a declaration and an affirmation of a foundational truth of the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept but a dynamic reality that brings transformation. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 beautifully puts it, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." The song encapsulates this journey of transformation that happens as we live and worship in the Spirit's presence. It inspires confidence in God's active presence among His people and encourages surrender to the freedom and power that flows from Him, making it a powerful anthem for any gathering seeking to honor and experience the living God.