Aftermath
Hillsong United
Finding Redemption in the Aftermath
Hillsong United's song "Aftermath" is a powerful exploration of redemption, grace, and the transformative power of faith. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a divine presence that is both majestic and intimately involved in the human experience. The opening lines, "The skies lay low where You are / On the earth You rest Your feet," juxtapose the grandeur of the divine with its closeness to humanity. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the sacrificial love of a higher power that brings redemption and hope to the broken and the lost.
The song delves into the concept of glorious surrender, where the divine figure is broken for the world to see, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice. This act of surrender is not just a moment of suffering but a transformative event that lifts the singer out of the ashes, signifying rebirth and renewal. The repeated phrase "I am found in the aftermath" underscores the idea that true freedom and redemption are found in the wake of this sacrificial act. The scars and grace mentioned in the lyrics serve as metaphors for the healing and redemption that come from this divine sacrifice.
The song also touches on themes of hope and divine presence. The lines "And I know that You're with me / Yes I know that You're with me here" emphasize the comforting presence of the divine in times of struggle and despair. The final verse, which speaks of counting all as loss to know and carry the cross, highlights the transformative journey of faith. The aftermath, in this context, is not just a period following a significant event but a state of being where one finds light, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.