She started working as a junior doctor in the Belfast Hospital, but in 1988 she was invited to form a band with Dave Fitzgerald and Dave Bainbridge. In 1989, Joanne stopped practicing medicine and Iona was born. Since then, Joanna has sung all over Europe and America. Iona's recordings have become successful worldwide, making them Europe's best selling contemporary Christian band.
Hogg recorded her first solo album, Looking Into Light, in 1999. Her vocals were featured in the role-playing games Xenogears (for the Sony PlayStation) and Xenosaga (for the Sony PlayStation 2). She sang the English versions of Star of Tears and Small Two of Pieces from Xenogears, and Pain and Kokoro from Xenosaga. Star of Tears was featured on the 2-disc Xenogears: Original Soundtrack; however, the song is not normally accessible in the game. Hogg collaborated with several artists for the album New Irish Hymns and provided the female vocals on both solo releases from Troy Donockley.
Every Promise
Joanne Hogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
Words of power, strong to save, that will never pass away
I will stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word
For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure—
I can stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
I will stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word
You are faithful to forgive that in freedom I might live
So I stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word
Guilt to innocence restored
You remember sins no more—
So I′ll stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
When I'm faced with anguished choice, I will listen for Your voice
And I′ll stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word
Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
And You've promised to complete
Ev′ry work begun in me—
So I'll stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word
Hope that lifts me from despair, love that casts out ev′ry fear
As I stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
Not forsaken, not alone, for the Comforter has come
And I stand on ev'ry promise of Your Word
Grace sufficient, grace for me
Grace for all who will believe—
We will stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
The song "Every Promise" by Joanne Hogg is all about standing firm on the promises of God's Word. The song starts by mentioning how from the breaking of dawn to the setting of the sun, the singer will stand on every promise of God's Word. It explains how the promises of God are powerful and are capable of saving, and that these promises will never pass away.
As the song continues, it talks about how the promises of God provide forgiveness of sin and how the guilt of sin is transformed into innocence, giving the singer freedom to live. Moreover, the song states that in the midst of hard choices, the singer will listen for God's voice and guidance and will stand upon every promise regarding God's plan for their life.
Furthermore, the song highlights how God's promises provide hope that lifts from despair and love that casts out every fear. It explains that the singer is not alone, and has not been forsaken, for God's comforter has come. The song closes with the proclamation that God's grace is sufficient, and that we will stand on every promise of his word.
Overall, the lyrics of the song serve to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to trust in the promises of God's word, even in troubled times.
Line by Line Meaning
From the breaking of the dawn to the setting of the sun
I will rely on every promise of God’s Word, morning to night.
Words of power, strong to save, that will never pass away
God’s promises are powerful and eternal, never to be broken.
For Your covenant is sure
God’s promise to His people is reliable and trustworthy.
And on this I am secure—
My confidence and security rest in God’s unchanging promises.
When I stumble and I sin, condemnation pressing in
Even when I fall and feel unworthy, I can stand on God’s promises of forgiveness.
You are faithful to forgive that in freedom I might live
God’s faithfulness enables me to experience freedom and new life through His forgiveness.
Guilt to innocence restored
God’s forgiveness transforms me from guilty to blameless.
You remember sins no more—
God chooses to forget my sins and sees me as pure and blameless.
When I'm faced with anguished choice, I will listen for Your voice
In times of difficult decisions, I will seek God’s guidance and rely on His promises.
Through this dark and troubled land
Even in the midst of darkness and uncertainty, I trust that God will guide me through His promises.
You will guide me with Your hand
God’s hand will lead and guide me through life’s challenges.
And You've promised to complete
God is committed to finishing the good work He started in me.
Ev′ry work begun in me—
God will bring to completion whatever He has started in my life.
Hope that lifts me from despair, love that casts out ev′ry fear
God’s promises provide hope in the midst of despair and love that conquers fear.
Not forsaken, not alone, for the Comforter has come
God’s Spirit is with me, bringing comfort and assurance that I am not alone.
Grace sufficient, grace for me
God’s grace is enough for whatever situation I face.
Grace for all who will believe—
God’s grace is available to anyone who believes in His promises.
We will stand on ev′ry promise of Your Word
As believers, we commit to relying on every promise that God has given us in His Word.
Writer(s): Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
Contributed by Ian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fuyufuyu
on Stars of Tears - Xenogears
I am from Japan, and this is the most heart moving and surprisingly nice music I heard at the end of last century. Thank you for this celestial gem of music!