How Long Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
How Long, written and performed by Terry MacAlmon, is a powerful Christian worship song that speaks to the longing and desire to become more like Christ. With heartfelt lyrics and a captivating melody, this song invites listeners to surrender their lives to God's transforming power.
I. The Meaning of How Long:
At its core, How Long is a song about the journey of transformation and surrender. It reflects the yearning to be conformed to the likeness of Christ, as mentioned in Romans 8:29: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." The song acknowledges the struggle and wrestle of surrendering our own desires and ambitions to follow God's will.
II. Lyrics Breakdown Analysis:
1. Verse 1:
"How long, how long
Till I awake in Your likeness
How long, how long
Till I become like You"
These opening lines set the tone for the entire song. The repetition of the phrase "how long" emphasizes the earnest desire to be transformed into the image of Christ. It echoes the longing expressed by the psalmist in Psalm 13:1: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?"
2. Chorus:
"Lord, You are calling me
To be all Your own
Yet how I struggle to
Surrender to Your throne
Give me grace, O God
To die that I might live
In You, in You"
The chorus highlights the tension between God's call to surrender and our struggle to let go of our own desires. It acknowledges the need for God's grace to enable us to die to ourselves and live fully in Him. This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
3. Verse 2:
"Lord, You are calling us
To be a spotless bride
Raised up in holy power
That cannot be denied
Give us the grace, O God
To boldly bear Your name
For You, for You"
The second verse extends the call to surrender beyond the individual level to encompass the entire body of Christ. It speaks of God's desire for His Church to be a pure and powerful bride, faithfully bearing His name. This aligns with the apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 5:27: "and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
III. Relevant Bible Verses:
1. Romans 12:2:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
This verse emphasizes the need for transformation and surrender to God's will. It encourages believers to resist conforming to the ways of the world and instead allow God to renew their minds.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:18:
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
This verse speaks of the ongoing process of transformation that takes place in the lives of believers. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we are gradually transformed into His image by the work of the Holy Spirit.
3. Galatians 2:20:
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This verse echoes the plea in the chorus for God's grace to enable us to die to ourselves and live in Christ. It emphasizes the concept of dying to our old selves and allowing Christ to live through us.
Conclusion:
How Long by Terry MacAlmon is a beautiful and heartfelt song that resonates with believers who long to surrender their lives fully to God and be transformed into the image of Christ. Its lyrics capture the struggle and desire for God's grace to enable us to die to ourselves and live in Him. Through its powerful message and biblical references, this song serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey of transformation that all believers are called to embark on. May this song inspire you to surrender your life to God's transforming power and embrace His call to become more like Him.
