Hillsong Worship – Still

Hillsong Church is a megachurch founded in 1983 in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia.  It was formerly led by Hillsong Founder Brian Houston.  Hillsong possesses a massive discography, spanning across four music ministries.  These include Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Worship, Hillsong Young & Free, and Hillsong Kids.

Hillsong has won several awards within their Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Worship artist groups.  As of this writing, there are no awards for Hillsong Young & Free or Hillsong Kids.

Also, check out my entire list of Hillsong reviews and Christmas songs, Seasons and Prince of Heaven.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.  I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artist‘s theology by visiting Resources.

1. What message does the song communicate?

Hillsong makes several points, including:

• God will protect them under His wing.
• Hillsong trusts that God will help them rise above their present storm.
• The Father is Ruler over natural phenomena.
• Hillsong obeys the command to be still and know that He is God.
• Hillsong asks us to find rest in Jesus alone.
• We should quietly put our trust in Him, personally experiencing His power.

Some Christians may misunderstand the second point, thinking that this references only liberation and not going through trials.  However, this affects the song’s overall message more than its Biblical accuracy.

Score: 9/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

All of it is Biblical.

Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Verse 1]

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

Combines parts of Psalm 91:4 and 1 Peter 5:6.

[Chorus]

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm

There are circumstances in which, like Jesus literally did in Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25, God rescues us from our trials and tribulations.  However, there are other instances where enduring it is better for us because it makes us better people (Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:4-11, and James 1:2-4).  In either case, whether pulled out or disciplined through it, Hillsong will rise above the storm.  Their faith remains unwavering (James 1:6).

Father, You are King over the flood

That is, the Father is sovereign over creation (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 4:39, Deuteronomy 10:14, Joshua 2:11, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 45:6, Psalm 50:7-15, Psalm 93:1-2, Psalm 115:3, Psalm 135:6, Isaiah 43:13, Isaiah 45:9-10, Isaiah 46:10, Lamentations 5:19, Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:19-21, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 1:8, James 4:15, Revelation 4:11, and Revelation 20:11).

I will be still, know You are God

Hillsong obeys Psalm 46:10.

[Verse 2]

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone

As promised by Jesus in Matthew 11:28.

Know His power
In quietness and trust

Combines part of 1 Thessalonians 4:11 with Biblical faith (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:36-38, Acts 3:19-21, Acts 20:21, and 2 Timothy 2:25-26), alongside His power available to us (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 22:19, Psalm 28:7-8, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 118:14, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 33:2, Isaiah 40:29-31, Habakkuk 3:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 6:10, and Philippians 4:13).

[Post-Chorus]

Know You are God, oh yeah
Know You are God, oh know You are God
Know You are God, know You are God

Essentially repeats Chorus, line 4, with a few Casper the friendly ghost references thrown in.

[Outro]

Oh, yes You are, oh, yes You are

That is, He is God.  Again, more Casper references are present here.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

The words “Christ” and “God” will push unbelievers into a Christian interpretation.  Despite this song’s Christianese language, they will think that Christians believe their God will protect them from life’s struggles, King over floods, and that they will find their rest in Him.  The jury’s out on whether “soaring” above storms means only rescue, or if it also includes enduring for character development.  I think it’s reasonable to conclude that some would miss the “endurance” aspect.

Score: 9/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies God that Hillsong proclaims His protection, assistance to address life’s challenges, Lordship, and rest found in Him.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Hillsong Worship’s Still is Biblical.  It calls us to remember that God is still there with us, shielding us, helping us out of storms (whether removal or going through them), His Sovereignty, His rest, and to quietly trust in Him.  These glorify God.  Unbelievers should be able to piece this together, though perhaps not knowing that “rising above” the storm could mean enduring it.

If used for corporate worship, it would be helpful to include suffering through storms as part of the meaning of rising above.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Artist Info

Track: Still (listen to the song)

Artist: Hillsong Worship

Album: Hope

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 2003

Duration: 5:38

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*Copyright © 2002 Hillsong Music Publishing (APRA) (adm. in the US and Canada at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Related reviews:

Hillsong Worship – Remembrance Hillsong Worship (Feat. Brooke Ligertwood, Chidima, Passion & Jenn Johnson) – Agnus Dei / King Of Kings