Whitney Houston - I Love The Lord Lyrics
Lyrics
I love the, the Lord;
He heard my cry,
And pitied every groan...
Long as I, I live
And troubles rise,
I'll hasten to his throne...
Oh, I love the Lord...
(I love the Lord...) I sure do, surely do love the Lord...
He heard... (He heard my cry...) He heard my cry...
And he pitied every groan! (And pitied every groan...) Yes, he did! Every groan...
Long as I live! (Long as I live...) Long as I, I live,
And troubles rise... (And troubles rise...) Troubles rise...
(I'll hasten to...) I hasten to... to... to... to... to...
I'll hasten, I'll hasten to his throne... (His throne...)
Know I can go...
(I'll hasten to his throne...) Oh, Lord... Oh, Lord...
When tears are streaming down my eyes,
(I'll hasten to his throne...) I'll hasten, I'll hasten to... his throne... yes, I will...
(I'll hasten to his throne...) I'll run... I know I can go to his throne...
I know I can go, I know I can go...
(I'll hasten to his throne...) I'll hasten... I'm gonna run...
I know I can go, I know where I can go...
(I'll hasten to his throne...) I'll hasten! I'll hasten to...
See, I'm gonna run! Lord, you know I will!
(I'll hasten to his throne...) When there's nowhere to go, I know I can go to him!
I know I can run to Jesus! Oh, ooh!
(I'll hasten to his throne...) I'll hasten, I'll hasten to his, his throne! Yeah, yeah, yes!
(I'll hasten to his throne...) I'll hasten... hasten to his throne! Hey, hey!
Surely, I will...
Video
Whitney Houston - I Love The Lord (The Preacher's Wife)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 26, 1996, as a powerful cornerstone of *The Preacher's Wife (Original Soundtrack Album)*, Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Love The Lord" immediately commanded attention as a profound declaration of faith. This isn't merely a song; it is a spiritual testament, rooted in a traditional gospel hymn that found new life and immense resonance through Houston's unparalleled vocal gift. The track’s inclusion in the film further deepened its impact, serving as a pivotal expression of unwavering trust in God amidst life's trials, mirroring the spiritual journey and struggles depicted within the narrative itself. It speaks to the universal human experience of seeking divine refuge when earthly solutions fail, emphasizing a direct and deeply personal relationship with the Creator.
The core message of "I Love The Lord" is a profound affirmation of God's unwavering attentiveness and compassion. The opening lines, "I love the Lord; He heard my cry, And pitied every groan," immediately anchor the song in a deeply personal and biblical truth. This sentiment echoes numerous psalms, particularly Psalm 116:1-2, which states, "I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live." It powerfully conveys the understanding that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who actively listens and responds to the anguish of His children. The phrase "pitied every groan" further underscores this intimate understanding, evoking the comforting truth found in Romans 8:26, where the Spirit intercedes for us with "groanings too deep for words," signifying God's profound empathy for our unspoken burdens and deepest pains.
This initial declaration naturally progresses to a commitment of lifelong devotion and reliance: "Long as I live and troubles rise, I'll hasten to his throne." This is a proactive statement of faith, acknowledging the inevitability of adversity in life, a reality confirmed in John 16:33 where Jesus says, "In the world you will have tribulation." Yet, the response is not despair, but immediate action. To "hasten to His throne" is a powerful image, suggesting urgency and absolute certainty in the divine recourse. It brings to mind Hebrews 4:16, an invitation to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This isn't a hesitant approach but a confident rush to the source of all comfort and strength, demonstrating an inherent knowledge that God's presence is the ultimate sanctuary.
As the song unfolds through its extended ad-libs, Whitney Houston’s voice transforms the simple lyrics into an insistent, soaring proclamation. The repeated assurance, "I'll hasten to his throne... I know I can go... I'll run," reinforces the unwavering conviction that God's grace is always accessible. It's a testament to the believer's secure knowledge that no matter the difficulty, there is a sovereign, loving God who is both willing and able to provide solace and solutions. This persistent reiteration builds an almost hypnotic sense of trust and urgency, calling to mind the imagery of Psalm 61:2, "From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." The song's message, amplified by Houston's profound delivery, becomes an anthem for anyone navigating hardship, reminding them that the path to peace and divine intervention is always open. "I Love The Lord" is more than a display of vocal prowess; it is a spiritual guidepost, directing all who hear it to the unshakeable truth of God's ever-present love, compassion, and readiness to receive us at His throne of grace, encouraging a personal and confident pursuit of His divine presence.