Ryan Stevenson - Not Forgotten Lyrics
Lyrics
Nobody knows the mountains we've been climbing
Nobody sees the valleys we are barely surviving
His eyes are on us tonight
We got to believe
His eyes are on us tonight
We are not forgotten
We are not alone
He is holding us and He'll never let go
He'll never let go
Nobody sees the fires we are facing
Nobody knows the future we're embracing
His eyes are on us tonight
We got to believe that His eyes are on us tonight
We are not forgotten
We are not alone
He is holding us and He'll never let go
He'll never let go
Jesus we're counting on You
We're counting on You
We're counting on You
We are not forgotten
We are not alone
He is holding us and He'll never let go
He'll never let go
Video
Ryan Stevenson - Not Forgotten (feat. tobyMac) [Official Lyric Video]
Meaning & Inspiration
Ryan Stevenson’s powerful anthem, "Not Forgotten," released as part of his 2015 album *Fresh Start* on August 28th, emerges as a profound reassurance in an often isolating world. This song doesn't just offer comfort; it echoes a fundamental truth of faith, inviting us to rest in the unwavering gaze of a God who sees beyond our visible struggles. From the first lines, the lyrics immediately connect with the universal human experience of facing battles in solitude, acknowledging the "mountains we've been climbing" and "valleys we are barely surviving" that often go unseen by those around us. This deep understanding of our hidden struggles sets the stage for a message of divine attentiveness, making the song particularly resonant for anyone feeling overlooked or overwhelmed.
The core meaning of "Not Forgotten" centers on the intimate and unwavering presence of God amidst our deepest challenges. Stevenson articulates the profound truth that while "nobody knows" or "nobody sees" our internal struggles—be they the "fires we are facing" or the uncertainties of "the future we're embracing"—God's "eyes are on us tonight." This isn't merely a passive observation; it's an active, caring awareness that transforms our perception of solitude. The song builds an undeniable sense of hope by asserting that we are neither forgotten nor alone, directly countering the very feelings of isolation it initially describes. It serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding us to believe in this constant divine watchfulness.
Delving deeper into the message, the central affirmation "We are not forgotten, We are not alone, He is holding us and He'll never let go" becomes the bedrock of the song's spiritual power. This declaration is a direct echo of countless biblical assurances. When the lyrics speak of mountains and valleys, they touch upon the very trials described in Psalm 23, where the psalmist finds comfort walking "through the valley of the shadow of death" because the Lord is with him. The recognition that "His eyes are on us tonight" vividly brings to mind Psalm 139, which marvels at God's intimate knowledge: "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar." God’s gaze is not one of judgment, but of profound love and understanding, encompassing every detail of our existence.
The song’s powerful reassurance that "He is holding us and He'll never let go" is deeply rooted in the steadfast promises of Scripture. This isn't a fleeting grip but an eternal embrace. Isaiah 49:15-16 illustrates this beautifully: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast...? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." This image conveys an indelible connection, a bond stronger than any human relationship. Furthermore, the commitment "He'll never let go" aligns perfectly with passages like Deuteronomy 31:6, which states, "He will never leave you nor forsake you," a promise reaffirmed in Hebrews 13:5. The New Testament also reiterates this divine security, with Jesus proclaiming in John 10:28 regarding His sheep, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
The bridge, "Jesus we're counting on You," serves as a vital turning point, shifting from acknowledging God's attributes to actively engaging with Him through faith. This phrase captures the essence of surrendering our burdens and placing our trust entirely in Christ. It embodies the counsel found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." When we admit our need and declare our reliance on Jesus, we step into the comfort and guidance promised by His word. This profound act of counting on Him is where true peace is found, acknowledging that He is the unwavering source of our strength and hope, especially when the path ahead is obscured and others cannot comprehend our journey. "Not Forgotten" ultimately serves as a comforting reminder that even in our most isolated moments, we are perpetually upheld by a God who knows, sees, and holds us eternally.