Broken dreams, lying on the unswept floor,
Shattered memories, said you can't take too much more.
There's someone you need to know,
He's our savior, He's our Lord.
His name is Jesus.
There's someone I want to introduce,
He says He's been waiting for you,
For such a long time,
For such a long time now.
Long ago, He died for you and me.
You should know, His love has set you free.
I know He can ease your pain,
You just need to speak His name,
His name is Jesus.
Such a long time, He's been waiting on your heart,
But you turn away, and it tears His heart.
For such a long time, you've known just what to do,
Jesus Christ, He's been waiting on you.
He's been waiting on you for such a long time now.
For Such A Long Time
For Such A Long Time Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "For Such A Long Time" by Third Day presents a poignant message of hope and divine patience. It opens with a stark portrayal of human struggle and brokenness, referencing "broken dreams" and "shattered memories," painting a picture of someone overwhelmed by life's burdens, feeling they "can't take too much more." Amidst this despair, the lyrics introduce a transformative solution: the presence and identity of Jesus, described as "our savior" and "our Lord." This sets the stage for the central theme – an invitation to know Him.
The core message unfolds as an assurance that this divine figure, Jesus, has been actively waiting for the individual addressed in the song. The phrase "For such a long time" is repeated, emphasizing the enduring patience and readiness of Jesus to connect. The narrative then shifts to the historical foundation of Christian faith, reminding the listener that "Long ago, He died for you and me," highlighting the sacrificial love at the heart of the message. This sacrifice is linked directly to freedom, asserting that His love has the power to "set you free" and "ease your pain." The simple act of speaking His name, Jesus, is presented as the key to accessing this freedom and healing.
The song further explores the tension between this persistent divine waiting and the human tendency to turn away. It speaks of Jesus waiting on the listener's "heart" for a significant duration, noting that turning away "tears His heart." This highlights the personal and emotional nature of God's desire for relationship. The lyrics assert that the listener has known "just what to do" for "such a long time," implying that the path to freedom and connection with Jesus is not hidden but has been apparent, yet a choice to delay or resist has been made. The repeated declaration, "Jesus Christ, He's been waiting on you," powerfully reinforces the theme of unwavering patience and enduring love.
The song's message resonates with several scriptural themes. The idea of Jesus waiting and knocking is reminiscent of Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." The concept of His death for humanity and the freedom it provides aligns with passages like Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us," and John 8:36, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." The power of calling on His name for salvation is a central theme in Romans 10:13, "for 'Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"
Released as a song video on July 10, 2015, "For Such A Long Time" serves as a heartfelt invitation rooted in the belief that Jesus's love is patient and persistent, always available to those who are ready to turn to Him. It acknowledges the pain of the human condition but offers a simple, powerful solution through a personal relationship with the Savior who has patiently waited. The song stands as a testament to the enduring nature of divine grace and the hope found in responding to God's long-standing call.
