Tim Hughes - Out Of The Darkness Lyrics
Lyrics
I could live a thousand years
Never earn a moment of Your grace
Even in my darkest day
You shine on me
You shine on me
And out of the darkness
You brought me into Your glorious light
Saved from the death I was facing
Rejoicing in the future, a hope that is mine
The greatest of all gifts
From the greatest of all givers
Jesus there upon the cross
True love displayed for all to see
And your grace runs after me
Runs after me
Everyday of my life
And your mercies they never fail
They never fail
Everyday of my life
Video
Tim Hughes - Out Of The Darkness
Meaning & Inspiration
"Out Of The Darkness," a profound declaration of faith, emerged in 2007 as part of Tim Hughes' album, "Holding Nothing Back." This song stands as a powerful testament to the transformative grace of God, articulating core tenets of the Christian journey from spiritual blindness to glorious light. It captures the essential truth that human effort, no matter how extensive, can never earn divine favor, stating plainly, "I could live a thousand years / Never earn a moment of Your grace." This foundational understanding resonates deeply with Romans 3:23-24, which declares that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, yet are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus, and Ephesians 2:8-9, which affirms that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
The song then beautifully illustrates God’s unwavering presence even amidst personal struggles, acknowledging that "Even in my darkest day / You shine on me." This reflects the comforting promise found in Psalm 23:4, that even walking through the valley of the shadow of death, one need not fear evil, for God is present. The central theme of salvation is proclaimed with striking clarity: "And out of the darkness / You brought me into Your glorious light / Saved from the death I was facing / Rejoicing in the future, a hope that is mine." This passage directly echoes 1 Peter 2:9, where believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, called "out of darkness into his wonderful light." It also parallels Colossians 1:13, which states that God "has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." The journey from spiritual death, as described in Romans 6:23, to the vibrant hope of eternal life, mentioned in Titus 3:7 and Hebrews 6:19, is a central message, offering true freedom and joy.
The lyrics then shift to identify the source of this unparalleled transformation, declaring it "The greatest of all gifts / From the greatest of all givers." This sets the stage for the pivotal revelation of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. The song points unequivocally to the cross: "Jesus there upon the cross / True love displayed for all to see." This line encapsulates the very essence of God's love for humanity, a love so immense it led to the ultimate sacrifice. Romans 5:8 reinforces this, stating, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This act of selfless love, as Jesus himself described in John 15:13, where "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends," is the bedrock of Christian hope and redemption.
Concluding with a powerful affirmation of God's consistent nature, the song celebrates that "Your grace runs after me / Runs after me / Everyday of my life / And your mercies they never fail / They never fail / Everyday of my life." This imagery of grace actively pursuing an individual paints a picture of a God who is not distant or static, but intimately involved and relentlessly benevolent. This resonates deeply with Psalm 23:6, which assures us that "surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life," and Lamentations 3:22-23, which beautifully declares, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." "Out Of The Darkness" serves as a profound reminder that God's grace and mercy are not just historical events but living, active forces shaping our present and securing our future, inspiring a deep sense of gratitude and unwavering trust.