They say, “tough times don’t last, but tough people do”.
But with everything 2020 has brought and keeps bringing, you can’t be sure if there are much tough people left.
The pandemic, the death rate, the civil unrest and everything that has deprived man of peace, are huge testaments to the tough times that we are in; which has driven a lot of people into grieve, brokenness, depression and suicide.
As Children of God, we ought to tell a different story. We are meant to sing a different song. But it’s obvious that we also get overwhelmed sometimes—when travails, frustration, persecution, disappointments and reproach get to us. And that’s when it gets hard.
In times like this, people resort to different things to get through this phase. And one of those things is music.
Music is a form of art that appeals to the spirit, soul and body.
In times like this, we need Faith, we need Peace, we need Hope, we need Love and we need God. The Bible says faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The word of God can come in different forms, music is one.
Here are top 10 Christian songs that you can listen to in tough times like this.
1. Steffany Gretzinger — No One Ever Cared for Me like Jesus.
The song “No One Ever Cared for Me like Jesus” was one of the tracks on Steffany Gretzinger’s (popularly called Steffany Great-singer by some fans) album, “Forever Amen“. The singer and songwriter sang solemnly, reminding us of how no one cares or will ever care for us like Jesus, even in hard times. And that in everything /His faithful hands has held me(us) all this way/ and when I’m(we’re) old and grey and all my(our) days are numbered on the earth/ let it be known in you(Him) alone my(our) joy is found/
2. Jonathan McReynolds — Lovin’ Me
The Chicago-born Gospel artist stresses the overwhelming and relentless love of God on the song “Lovin’ Me”. Sometimes, the troubles of life often make us forget His love, hence the need to be reminded.
Lovin’ Me is a beautiful ballad that reminds us of God’s unfailing and unchanging love for us /regardless of every mistake that I(we) make you (He) keep loving me(us)/ and it probably don’t matter what I(we) do or say you(He) keep loving me(us)/
3. Zach Williams — Slave To Nothing
The American Christian rock artist from Jonesboro, Arkansas, showcased some beautiful vocals on the song “Slave To Nothing” from his album “Rescue Story“. It’s apparent that tough times can come through doubts, fear, guilt, struggles with addiction or immorality. Zach intensified the word of God in the lyrics of the song, /Free from my chains, from my shame and addiction/Free from my fears, and the walls of this prison/I’ve been redeemed, sanctified, and forgiven/ Freedom’s my name /Make no mistake, I’m a slave to nothing/
4. Mali Music — I Believe
Kortney Jamaal Pollard, who performs under the stage name Mali Music, is popularly known for his voice and unique style of music. “I Believe“ is a song that tells the story of the present situation of our world. Of how /suicide, genocide, homicide/ ravages the place, how people are losing faith and how /pastors leaving pulpits cause they’re tired/. In all these, the American recording artist, songwriter and producer encourages us to /choose to look on the brighter side in spite, of all the negativity I’m(we’re) surrounded by/ and in everything, we should believe, trust and have faith in God even when we can’t or don’t see any change /I’m just one ah them all people who’s got to hold on/ sometimes I can’t see but I still believe/He’s taking care of me, oh oh oh/
5. Hillsong United — Prince of Peace
Hillsong United, a worship band that originated as a part of the Hillsong Church, pieced together a beautiful, poetic and soul-soothing song that portrayed Jesus, the “Prince of Peace“. The calmness in the voices, instrumentals and sound on the song is just a glimpse of what peace feels like in troubled times. Our troubles are likened to natural or human disturbances like storms, war, darkness, unrest etc but Jesus the Prince of Peace comes in the form of light, peace and grace to save /When fear comes knocking There You’ll be my guard/When day breeds trouble There You’ll hold my heart/Come storm or battle God I know Your peace will meet me there/.
6. Lauren Daigle — Trust In You
Tough times are also situations where by we’ve prayed, fasted and waited on God for something and it’s not forthcoming. Sometimes it’s really hard to keep on, and it’s only human to grow weary. But in “Trust In You“, Lauren beckons on us to still continue trusting God even when those things are pending /When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move/When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through/When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You/I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!/. The American contemporary music singer and songwriter, describes God as /strength and comfort, steady hand, firm foundation; the rock/ and so having this prior knowledge, we know God cannot fail and that’s more reason why we have to trust him.
7. Bethel Music — You Make Me Brave
The American music label that originated from the Bethel Church, recorded “You Make Me Brave” live at the Civic in 2014, as part of the tracks on the album with the same title “You Make Me Brave”. The song written and performed by Amanda Cook— a vocalist in the music ministry from Redding, California— reminded us of the promises of God in times of fear and anxiety. And that in all things, God loves us and he’s always /for us and not against us/. The song tells us of the power and boldness God has given to us as His children /You make me brave/ You call me out beyond the shore into the waves/You make me brave/No fear can hinder now the love that made a way/.
8. Switchfoot — The Strength To Let Go
The American rock band from San Diego, California, released “The Strength To Let Go” as one of the powerful songs on their award-winning album “Native Tongue“. It’s tough to experience pain, but it’s even tougher to hold on to it. Sometimes we’re miserable, broken and dead inside because we’re still holding on to things we should have let go of. The Californian rockstars cried out, calling out to God for the strength to let go and surrender. To let go of hate /when his love is the best/. /Give me the strength to let go/Give me the strength to surrender/Give me the strength to stop holding on/I’ve been holding on so long/Give me the strength to let go/And show me the way to come home/.
9. Lecrae — Drown (ft. John Legend)
The American Christian Hip-hop recording artist and songwriter, released “Drown” as a single from his newly released album “Restoration“. The two-time Grammy award winner opens up about life, and how depression can pull one down, deep into it’s overwhelming ocean, an experience we can relate to…/I’m drowning, I’m drowning/Lost in this world with these waves all around me/Deep in the darkness, Where it’s heartless/I don’t know if I can make it, I’ll be honest/. John Legend, the popular American RnB/Soul artist, songwriter and pianist steps into the song with a catchy, powerful chorus. The chorus, like a prayer in hard times /Tell me that you’ll never let me down/’Cause you’re my final breath before I drown/ reminds us of God, who He is and what He has promised us in times like this /You’re(He’s) my(our) last resort When it’s too late/You’re(He’s) the only one Who takes my(our) pain away/.
10. Tobymac — Move (Keep Walkin’)
Toby Mckeehan, popularly known by his stage name Tobymac, is a Christian hip-hop and rock recording artist. The Virginia-born songwriter is well-known for releasing hope-giving songs and “Move (Keep Walkin’)” is one of them. Toby spoke about the thoughts and questions in the hearts of Christians during hard times /I know your heart been broke again/I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet/I know you’re feeling like you got nothing left/ But with that knowledge, he encourages us to /lift your(our) head, it ain’t over yet/Hold on, hold on/Lord ain’t finished yet/Hold on, hold on/He’ll get you through this/. The breakbeat on the song gives a pulsating vibe, as the 7 times Grammy award winner likens us to soldiers who should persevere and not lose hope /Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on/Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes/Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on/And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet/.
