Click above to listen to a portion of A Long and Lonely Night as you read. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this 10th and newest album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. After reading, watch the Far Away from Home music video to lift your spirit.

What have you been anxious or fearful about lately?

Recently I had the opportunity to share my music at a conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and to play concerts in Waukesha and Kenosha. This trip allowed me to visit the shores of Lake Michigan, including the Cana Island Lighthouse.

The image below was taken through a small window from inside the lighthouse during the climb up (a small “climb to the sky” moment). As I thought about sharing the inspiration for the song A Long and Lonely Night, I began thinking how the inside of a lighthouse is much darker than the outside. The greatest source of light on the shore, which can be seen for miles, is dark inside.

When I am feeling dark on the inside, the light of God’s word and presence is there shining into my circumstances. When I am anxious or fearful, He says “Fear not.” When I am having a long and lonely night, or not sleeping well, He is always there, caring for me, offering hope and comfort, even though I may not feel hopeful.

My long and lonely nights are not nearly as rough as Paul’s. He went from being totally against Jesus and his followers, to being totally for Jesus. His personal encounter with Jesus in Acts 9 transformed his life. From then on he shared the good news of God’s grace and forgiveness, and that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. This resulted in Paul being jailed, beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, robbed, betrayed, and without food multiple times. He had many a long and lonely night.

How does this solo piano melody and its inspiration speak into your long and lonely nights?

“I’ve known…many a long and lonely night without sleep…” 2 Corinthians 11:27 (MSG) “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (MSG)

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” — Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)