My family has been going through some hard times right now. And me personally, I’m physically exhausted, emotionally tanked, mentally fried. It would be easy at times to just be overtaken by negativity and sink into a pool of depression and hopelessness.

It’s times like these when I really have to fight to find goodness, joy, peace. And that always starts with praising God – when it’s hard, when it hurts, when it feels impossible.

Sometimes it’s just nice to know someone else gets it. Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll have a song that hits my soul every time I hear it. The struggle to lift my arms and praise God can be overwhelming at times – like it’s a fight. You can find the lyrics at the bottom of this post, but take a listen:

Hallelujah Meaning

Did you know the word Hallelujah doesn’t appear in the Bible until Revelations 19, and only in verses 1, 3, 4, & 6?

Per Strongs, ἀλληλουϊα allēlouïa,al-lay-loo’-ee-ah; means praise ye Jah!, an adoring exclamation:—alleluiah.

It comes from two Hebrew words:

hâlal, haw-lal’; which means to be clear; to shine; to boast; 

and

Yâhh, yaw; which means Jah, the sacred name: Jah, the Lord, most vehement.

“Hard Fought Hallelujah” Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Yeah I don’t always feel it
But that’s when I need it the most

So I’mma keep on singing
‘Til my soul catches up with my song

There’s times when my hands go up freely

And times that it costs

There’s days when a praise comes out easy

And days when it takes all the strength I’ve got

[Chorus]

I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, Been-through-hell Hallelujah

And I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail Story to tell Hallelujah

‘Cause God you’ve been patient

God you’ve been gracious

Faithful whatever I’m feeling or facing

So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt

It is well Hallelujah

Oh oh oh oh, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

[Verse 2]

I’ve wrestled with the darkness

But I’m trying to reach for the light

Yeah the struggle keeps me honest

And it breaks down the walls of my pride

‘Cause faith isn’t proven like gold

‘Til it’s been through the fire

My head, heart and hands are feeling heavy

But that’s when I lift them just a little higher

[Chorus]