Dear Lord; Good evening Father.
Wow Father, what a long and tiring day this was. I started the day at a client’s site at 7:45 this morning, and finally drove into my driveway at 8:45 tonight. I’m wiped.
Heading home this evening, I was driving along some back roads while Andrew Peterson’s “Counting Stars” CD massaged my mental temperament following the day’s toils. It was a dark and clear evening, and the stars seemed especially bright away from the street lights and incursions of blatant civilization. My mind drifted a bit, and I found myself pondering how much I actually enjoy driving at night; soaking in the Stillness and clarity of the draped surroundings.
And then track 9 started up…
It always fascinates me Father, how You manage to guide my thoughts and link them up with external reinforcements to get my attention. In this case, it came in the form of a song on the CD called “In the Night My Hope Lives On”. From my own thoughts of how in the Stillness of night I find comfort in Your Presence, this ballad reached in and awoke my spirit. What an amazingly powerful song this is Lord:
The lyrics are truly wonderful Father… such a potent description of the Hope we find in Your Love for us.
“I can see the crowd of men retreating
As he stands between the woman and their stones
And if mercy in his holy heart is beating
Then in the night my hope lives on
I remember how they scorned the son of Mary
He was gentle as a lamb, gentle as a lamb
He was beaten, he was crucified, and buried
And in the night, my hope was gone
But the rulers of the earth could not control Him
They did not take his life–he laid it down
All the chains of death could never hope to hold him
So in the night my hope lives on”
What a perfect way to end my day Lord; focusing on the Hope You so freely gifted us with. And in the night, my hope lives on.
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
What a lovely, soothing, and comforting song… and especially for the weary, tired soldiers of faith. Bless you Phil… and may your tomorrow be bright with hope, strength, and promise. Love those night stars too.
Thank you Debra! I played it several times driving home the other night, allowing the power in those lyrics to wash over me in the darkness… What an amazing feeling it was. 🙂
Bless you for your kind words, and always encouraging comments!
Have a Blessed Day!
“In the night my hope lives on! – what beautiful soothing words, Phil.
As I pondered on those words, I was thinking of those who I know, who are sick, and who I know, feel their pain most during the night!
I pray that in the night, their hope will live on, knowing that the one who created them, said in His word, that ‘He will restore them to health and heal their wounds’.
Bless you Phil, I thank God for your life, as I am always refreshed when I read your posts. 🙂
I’ve become quite fond of Mr. Peterson’s music Carole… It always refreshes me, as does reading the wonderful posts on your blog as well!
Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!
I love how when we are quiet and reflecting, God gives us little moments like this. The Hope that we find in Him seems to deepen in beauty the longer we follow Him. Beautiful song!
Wonderfully put Eileen. The whole album is filled with excellent music that grabs your spirit… Highly recommended!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love when God uses music to refresh and refocus us. Hope today is easier for you!
I completely agree Jenifer. I gain such insight and peace from music that speaks to His Glory!
Thank you, and have a Blessed Day!
Yes, even in the night, our hope lives on!
Aren’t they wonderful lyrics Allison?! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
God quite often music to get my attention. It soothes my soul and speaks to my spirit. This song is especially beautiful and the lyrics are so powerful, Phil. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Many blessings!