Israel Houghton - I Will Praise Lyrics
Lyrics
Lift our praise lift our praise (3X)
Lift our praise
I will praise Your name
And I will bless You always
I will praise Your name today
I will sing and shout it
I will tell the world about it
I will praise Your name today
I made my decision
No turning back for me no
All glory I'm givin'
You're Lord of ev'rything
I made my decision
No turning back for me no
All glory I'm givin'
You're Lord of ev'rything
Your mercy unending
Your grace has guarded me oh
My Master my Savior
You're Lord of ev'rything
Your mercy unending
Your grace has guarded me oh
My Master my Savior
You're Lord of ev'rything
Video
I Will (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
With the release of "I Will (Live)" on February 7, 2025, Israel Houghton once again delivers a compelling anthem that resonates with the core of Christian devotion. Known for his vibrant worship music, Houghton consistently crafts songs that are not just sung but declared, and "I Will Praise" stands as a testament to this legacy. The song articulates a deeply personal and unwavering commitment to God, drawing listeners into a shared space of fervent declaration. It speaks to the journey of faith where initial expressions of praise mature into resolute, lifelong dedication, inviting everyone to partake in this powerful confession.
The heart of "I Will Praise" is a profound declaration of intent and a public affirmation of faith. It begins with a collective invitation to "Lift our praise," immediately setting a communal tone, reminding us that worship is often a shared experience, as seen in countless biblical calls to corporate worship, such as Psalm 150:6, which exhorts "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." This quickly transitions into a singular, unwavering promise: "I will praise Your name / And I will bless You always." This isn't a conditional promise, but an eternal commitment, mirroring the psalmist's resolve in Psalm 34:1, "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." The lyrical journey then expands beyond personal internal devotion to an outward expression, declaring, "I will sing and shout it / I will tell the world about it." This echoes the spirit of evangelism, reflecting the command to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19) and the natural overflow of a heart transformed by grace, compelling believers to share their testimony, much like the man Jesus healed who was told to "go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you" (Mark 5:19).
The song progresses to articulate the foundational decision that underpins this commitment: "I made my decision / No turning back for me no." This line is a powerful echo of profound discipleship, reminiscent of Jesus' words in Luke 9:62, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." It’s a bold vow, a personal covenant to live a life fully surrendered, much like Joshua's resolute declaration, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). This decisive turning point leads directly to the acknowledgment of God's rightful place: "All glory I'm givin' / You're Lord of ev'rything." This isn't merely a polite nod but a complete surrender of authority and allegiance, aligning with the biblical truth that all things are from, through, and to God, to whom belongs all glory forever (Romans 11:36).
The motivation behind such profound commitment is beautifully laid out in the subsequent verses, focusing on God's character and actions. "Your mercy unending / Your grace has guarded me oh" highlights the inexhaustible nature of divine compassion and the protective power of God's unmerited favor. This resonates deeply with Lamentations 3:22-23, which affirms, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Furthermore, the awareness that God's grace has "guarded" speaks to His constant watchfulness and saving power, a theme throughout Scripture, from Psalm 121:7-8 that assures the Lord will keep you from all harm, to Ephesians 2:8, which reminds us that salvation itself is "by grace you have been saved through faith." The song culminates in a majestic affirmation of God's identity: "My Master my Savior / You're Lord of ev'rything." These titles capture the multifaceted nature of God's relationship with humanity – sovereign ruler, deliverer, and ultimate authority – affirming Him as the one truly worthy of such unwavering, lifelong praise. "I Will Praise" therefore serves not just as a song, but as a robust theological statement and a call to a life lived fully in devotion, inspiring a deep-seated conviction that transcends fleeting emotions and anchors itself in the eternal truth of God's greatness and goodness.