The strength I had
That I relied on
The things I did
That I took pride in
Well they have gone
And I’m on hold now
And no one knows it
Save You alone
And You remain
My only hope
The questions asked
No answers came
And in the silence
I hear Your name
The pain I prayed unbound
Refused to leave
The doubts that follow
Of what I believed
Still You remain
My only hope
This is the fire
When You delay the answers
The fire that draws me
To this deeper place
Where the only desire left in me
Is to seek Your face
But this is not a test of my faith
No this is not a test of my faith
It is a test of my love
Of my love
Of my love
Of my love
Of my love
I love You
Lord I love You
I love You
How I love You
With all my heart
With all my strength
I love You
Lord I love You
I love You
How I love You
With all my soul
With all my will
I love You
Still
Songwriter: Joanne Hogg
© Thankyou Music, Thank You Music Ltd.
When the Answers Don’t Come
A devotional reflection
There was a strength I used to stand on—things I built with my own two hands. They are gone now, and I am left waiting quietly in a place no one else can see.
I keep asking, and the questions pile up. No answer arrives to close the gap. Yet in the silence, something else speaks—not an answer, but a name I still know.
The doubt did not leave when I prayed it away. It stayed, and I stayed with it, because somewhere beneath the uncertainty, there is still one thing I have not released.
Maybe this was never about certainty. Maybe the waiting is the place where the only thing left worth wanting is simply to be near You.
This is not a test of what I can prove or how much I understand. It is a test of whether I will stay—whether I will keep loving You even when no answer comes.
So let this be my answer, unfinished as it is:
I am still here.
I still love You.
That has not changed,
even when everything else has.
Song Meaning
“The Fire When You Delay” develops faith that waits honestly when answers are delayed. Its opening image—“The strength I had That I relied on The things I did That I”—sets the direction, while repetition turns the message into a personal and congregational response.
Biblical Message
The song connects closely with Psalm 13:1–6 and Romans 8:25–26. These passages illuminate its central theme and show how God’s action invites faith, worship, obedience, and hope.
Reflection
This song is especially useful for lament, pastoral reflection, and encouragement during unanswered prayer. Choose the line that best names your present need, then let it become a simple prayer and encouragement to the church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “The Fire When You Delay” about?
It centers on faith that waits honestly when answers are delayed and invites listeners to respond with thoughtful faith and devotion.
Which Bible passages connect with this song?
Psalm 13:1–6 and Romans 8:25–26 provide clear biblical connections for its central message.
How can this song be used?
It can support lament, pastoral reflection, and encouragement during unanswered prayer, either in a congregation, family setting, or personal reflection.