Sovereign Grace Music - How Long, O Lord Lyrics
Released: 22 Jul 2022
Lyrics
VERSE 1
Every valley will be lifted high
And the weak will be the strong
When You come like lightning in the sky
How long, O Lord, how long?
VERSE 2
Kings on earth will scatter when they hear
Thundering sounds of angel songs
Hearts will tremble, filled with holy fear
How long, O Lord, how long?
CHORUS
All our hopes are fixed on You
That Your promises are true
And one day You will return
All our treasures here will fade
So, we long to see Your face
Until then our hearts will burn
How long, O Lord?
VERSE 3
You will conquer every evil thing
Every sorrow, pain, and wrong
They will cease with Your return, our King
How long, O Lord, how long?
TAG
How long, O Lord? (How long, O Lord?)
Video
How Long, O Lord, How Long? (Psalm 13) • Official Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Sovereign Grace Music's song "How Long, O Lord," featured in an official video released on July 22, 2022, is a worshipful expression of eschatological hope and longing. Drawing its central theme from the ancient biblical cry found in passages like Psalm 13 and Revelation 6:10, the song articulates the believer's anticipation for the return of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. It acknowledges the present reality of suffering, injustice, and weakness in the world, contrasting it sharply with the glorious future when God's kingdom will be fully established.
The lyrics unfold a vision of Christ's decisive return, portraying it as a dramatic and undeniable event akin to "lightning in the sky." This coming signifies a complete reversal of the current order, where the humble will be exalted ("Every valley will be lifted high / And the weak will be the strong") and earthly powers will be confronted ("Kings on earth will scatter"). The anticipation of this event is depicted as stirring "holy fear," a fitting response to encountering divine power and judgment. The song clearly looks forward to a time when Christ will "conquer every evil thing," bringing an end to "every sorrow, pain, and wrong," assuring believers of ultimate victory over sin and suffering.
At the heart of the song is the affirmation of the believer's steadfast hope. Despite the delay and the enduring presence of evil, "All our hopes are fixed on You / That Your promises are true." This hope is not rooted in earthly circumstances but in the faithfulness of God and the certainty of Christ's return. The contrast between the transient nature of earthly possessions ("All our treasures here will fade") and the enduring hope of seeing Christ's face underscores the song's call to value eternal realities over temporal ones. The phrase "Until then our hearts will burn" encapsulates a passionate, enduring longing for the Savior's appearing, serving as an encouragement to persevere with hearts aflame with anticipation for the day when the repeated question, "How long, O Lord?", will find its glorious answer in His return.