Jenn Johnson - Here I Bow Lyrics

Here I Bow (Official Lyric Video) - Brian & Jenn Johnson | After All These Years

Here I Bow Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Here I Bow" by Jenn Johnson, featured on the album "After All These Years" released in 2017, is a profound expression of worship and surrender. The song centers on the believer's response to God's grace and love. The initial verses pose rhetorical questions that immediately establish the theme of seeking refuge and finding it solely in God. Verse one contemplates where else one could go but to the "throne of mercy" and the "cross of grace," highlighting God's compassionate nature and the redemptive work of Christ as the ultimate source of hope and safety. It speaks to the immense love and the powerful, steadfast hand of God that sustains believers, describing these attributes as beautiful.

Building upon this foundation, verse two introduces the figure of the King who bore the scars necessary for healing, directly referencing Christ's sacrifice. It identifies Him as the Son who embodies grace and truth, attributes central to His mission. The verse further emphasizes the magnitude of God's love, portraying it as a force that leads believers into kindness. These descriptions cumulatively build a picture of a benevolent, powerful, and self-sacrificing God who is worthy of worship.

The chorus serves as the central declaration of the song, acting as the worshiper's direct response to the truths presented in the verses. The phrase "So here, I bow" signifies humility, submission, and reverence. The purpose of this posture is explicitly stated: "to lift You high," expressing the desire to exalt Jesus. The declaration "Jesus, be glorified" is a prayer and an affirmation of His supreme worth. The commitment extends to encompass all aspects of life and for all time, culminating in the powerful statement, "I am Yours, forever Yours," which signifies complete and eternal belonging and surrender to God.

The bridge intensifies the chorus's theme by specifying the timing and scope of worship. "God here, and now, be lifted high" and "Right here, and now, be glorified" emphasize the immediate, present-day nature of the call to worship. It roots the divine attributes being celebrated in specific realities: God is the "God of heaven and earth," the sovereign Creator, and significantly, the "God who brought me back to life." This last phrase speaks powerfully to spiritual regeneration or deliverance, providing a concrete reason for the worshiper's devotion and reinforcing the declaration, "I am Yours, forever Yours." The repetition in the bridge underscores the earnestness and immediacy of this commitment.

Overall, "Here I Bow" is a rich tapestry of theological reflection and personal devotion. It moves from acknowledging God's nature and actions—His mercy, grace, love, sacrifice, and power to redeem—to an active, wholehearted response of bowing, lifting Him high, glorifying Him, and surrendering one's entire life. The song effectively encapsulates the essence of worship as a humble response to divine greatness and goodness, making it a deeply inspirational piece suitable for personal reflection and corporate worship settings alike. Themes present in the lyrics resonate with various scripture passages, including Hebrews 4:16 which speaks of approaching the throne of grace, Ephesians 2:4-5 on being made alive in Christ, Philippians 2:9-11 concerning Jesus' exaltation, and Romans 14:8 affirming belonging to the Lord. The song serves as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive work and the appropriate response of the believer: total surrender and eternal devotion.