The Long Dark Night – Graphic Print

COMMENTARY

This poem was several years in the making.  I had a simple portion (the first refrain) for months, when one day I received the intervening verses.  Searching through my notes, I found the first refrain and simply put the two parts together.

To every Christian who has felt the strain of spiritual warfare, this poem offers the powerful assurance that if they can only hold out through “the long dark night,” they will see the sun (Son, Jesus) rise in the morning after the darkness has passed. (Psalm 30:5 KJV) promises us that “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”  Whatever you face at this very hour of your life will pass as a mist if you will remain before the throne of God in worship and praise.  This is a marching army of the Lord.  The key to their victory is the fact that they breathe a name which quickens heaven’s pace.  That name is the wonderful name of Jesus.  Their next weapon is that they have their hearts joined as one.  Thus armed, we hear the powerful and challenging words:

What force of hell can thus resist

Such noble troops as these?

The answer to this question is “none!” Though Satan may threaten harm to God’s beloved, Jesus has promised us that we fight against a defeated enemy who is already facing eternal judgment and the fires of hell.  Rejoice as you join a victorious army which, with Christ at the Head, has never experienced defeat–and never will!

NOTE: This poem is one of many found in the collection Jewels from His Crown