13 Christian Songs for Hard Times | Gospel + Worship Playlist
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When I’m in a hard place and need something to help anchor me in God’s truth, I often find the right song and play it like an anthem throughout that season of my life. Not just any song, but one that speaks to the situation and points me back to Jesus. These Christian songs for hard times have helped carry me through moments when I couldn’t even find the words. We all have seasons where we’re really going through it. Even as Christians, some situations leave us feeling depleted and discouraged. I’m so grateful that we have hope and a friend in Jesus who never leaves us!
I don’t know how it is for you, but sometimes it takes me a moment to get back to that truth. Still, as my pastor often says, “Turn it into just a moment”—meaning don’t dwell there. To help me keep my mind on Jesus, I reach for a song that speaks to my spirit.
You know how it is—one minute you’re encouraged, and the next you’re staring at your situation again, and the sadness creeps back in. That’s why, during difficult times, there’s usually a song or two I find myself playing on repeat. This is in addition to reading my Bible and spending time in prayer—music can’t replace that. But some days, I feel like I need all the help I can get (please tell me I’m not the only one!).
Do you remember in the Bible when Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, and he had David come play for him? As David played, the spirit left him. I believe the same thing happens when we sing or listen to Holy Spirit-infused music—His presence fills the room, and peace follows.
“Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” 1 Samuel 16:23
Here Are 13 Christian Songs For Hard Times That Carried Me Through
I pray they meet you right where you are, just like they did for me.
I’ve also created a Spotify playlist with all of these songs so you can listen and worship on the go, or save it for when you need it most.
Listen to the Playlist on Spotify
1. “In the Middle” – Isaac Carree
This song reminded me to praise God in the middle of my situation, not just when it’s over.
“Praise Him anyway—in the middle of it.”
2. “We Gon’ Be Alright” – Tye Tribbett
My husband introduced me to this one, and he used to blast it in the car and at home. It quickly became one of my favorites.
“Troubles come and go
Even on the mountain high or the valley low
Never let your faith go”
Bonus, play this one right after:
3. “Sound Mind” – Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Nearly every time anxiety tried to rear its ugly head, I’d sing this. It felt like singing scripture—anchoring me in 2 Timothy 1:7—that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
“In the chaos, You are the peace
In my suffering, You‘re here with me
In the darkness, You never leave
God of mercy, You‘re walking with me.”
4. “When I Am Afraid” – Laura Hackett
Simple, scripture-based, and straight to the heart. Based on Psalm 56:3.
“When I am afraid, I will trust in You…
The Rock that is higher”
5. “God Is in Control” – DOE
I listened to this during a difficult financial season. I played it so much that my son learned the chorus.
“But only You could make a way
Only You could make the wind break
I will call on Your name
And I will make my soul sing”
6. “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” – Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes
“ I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” – Psalm 37:25
This song is a bold reminder: God. Won’t. Fail.
“I’ve still got joy in chaos
I won’t be going under
I’m not held by my own strength.”
7. “Tremble” – Mosaic MSC
I have been playing this song since my son was in my womb, and he is now 7 years old. Sometimes, he requests this song at bedtime.
“Peace, bring it all to peace
The storms surrounding me
Let it break at Your Name”
8. “King of My Heart” (Live) – Bethel Music, Steffany Gretzinger
This reminds me that I can always run to God. He is constant and good.
“Let the King of my heart
Be the mountain where I run
The fountain I drink from
Oh, He is my song.”
9. “Stayed on Him” – Terrian
Upbeat and faith-filled. It reminds me to stay focused on Jesus. He’ll keep me in perfect peace.
“I’ll keep my mind stayed on Him…
‘Til the very end”
10. “He Understands” – Chandler Moore
What I love most about this song is that it reminds us that Jesus truly understands what we are going through and the feelings we deal with. He has felt those things too!
“He Understands
He was alone, left by his Friends
Foxes have Holes,
He had nowhere to go
No Place to lay his head
So if anyone knows
He Understands. “
11. “Trouble Won’t Last” – Keyondra Lockett
A reminder that trials are temporary, but God’s faithfulness is eternal.
“Weeping may endure for the night
Keep the faith.”
12. “Rebuild (Remix)” – J Moss
The whole song is like a heart’s cry to Jesus when you are struggling and asking for deliverance, healing, and wholeness. Wait until you get to the ending, it will give you chills!
“Send up this real simple prayer: Rebuild me.”
13. “The Promise” – Tiff Joy
This is my go-to when I need to remind myself: God keeps His word. He’s not a liar. What He says, we can count on.
“Every promise that He made—it will come to pass
Keep trusting, believing, hold fast.”
You can listen to the full playlist here:
Christian Songs for Hard Times – Listen on Spotify
If you’re walking through a hard season, I pray these songs meet you like they met me—with the comfort only God can give. What songs has God used to carry you through? I’d love to hear your go-to Christian/gospel tracks in the comments. Maybe I’ll add them to the playlist!
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