“Hard Times” was written during the hardest year of my life. I had been attending and serving at a local church for most of my life, built my life and friendships there, and raised my kids around it – then the Lord unraveled everything.

Strangely, with how painfully and suddenly things fell apart, I found that I could see Jesus much more clearly. In my own confusion and bewilderment, He was clear, true and faithful. His word didn’t change, even though everything in my life was upside-down.

Looking at Him and His word drove me to thank Him. If He hadn’t peeled apart my life, I could have never really seen His goodness toward me. If He had just left me in the same old place, I would have never really found Him.

Hebrews 12 talks about this very thing: the discipline or “chastening” of the Lord. No one wants to go through it, and yet, our Father loves us and wants us to share in His holiness He desires that we bear good fruit to righteousness. And in the process, we get to know Him for who He really is.

“Hard Times” is a song about choosing to thank Him, especially in the midst of dark and confusing times. Because it’s in those most difficult moments that we can see most clearly who He is. I hope it ministers to you as you listen, and stirs your heart to thank the Lord in every season.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

I thank You for the hard times

When You prove who You are

I thank You for the hard times

When You test what’s in the depths of my heart

I thank You for the slow times

The dark times

The times when I can barely see

‘Cause then You show up and reveal Yourself to me

[Verse 2]

I thank You for the tough times

When things don’t go the way I planned

I thank You for the tough times

When I fall and leave it all in Your hands

I thank You for the rough times

Confusing times

When I come apart at the seams

‘Cause You always show up and reveal Yourself to me

[Chorus]

‘Cause this life ain’t always easy

But You’re always faithful and true

Your mercies are new every morning

So I’ll thank You

Yes I’ll thank You

[Verse 3]

I thank You for the good times

Lord, You always make a way

I thank You for the good times

I’m gonna bless You for the rest of my days

But even when it’s all gone

Things come undone

And I’m lost in the depths of the sea

You always show up and reveal Yourself to me

[Chorus]

‘Cause this life ain’t always easy

But You’re always faithful and true

Your mercies are new every morning

So I’ll thank You

Yes, I’ll thank You

Oh I’m gonna thank You

Yes, I’ll thank You

[Bridge]

I’ll thank You for the hard times

I’ll thank You for the hard times

I’ll thank You for the good times

The tough times

Day and night and all the times in between

[Ending]

‘Cause You always show up

Yes, you always show up

You always show up and reveal Yourself to me

I thank You for the hard times