When Worship Feels Hard: 7 Christian Songs for Spiritual Dryness

In moments of spiritual dryness, music can act as a healing salve for our souls. But not just any Christian song will do. When King David found himself parched for the Lord, he fortified his mind with reminders of God’s character and promises. That remedy still works for thirsty believers today.  

If worship feels hard for you right now, the first step is to lift your focus to One who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Here are 7 Christian songs to saturate your soul with reminders of who God is and all He has done.

1. So Will I (100 Billion X)

If you’ve never taken the time to listen to the lyrics of this song by Hillsong United, stop what you’re doing, sit down, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in every verse of truth. This beautiful modern Psalm reveals God’s masterful hand at work in creation and redemption (Ephesians 1:4-5). After the music fades to a close, wipe away your tears and stay tuned to hear Joel Houston and Benjamin Hastings’ incredible testimony of why they wrote the song. 

God of Your promise

You don't speak in vain
 No syllable empty or void
 For once You have spoken
 All nature and science
 Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
 A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
 Evolving in pursuit of what You said
 If it all reveals Your nature so will I

2. Chris Tomlin - Holy Forever

Chris Tomlin’s “Holy Forever” transports us to the throne room of God, where we can leave the troubles of this world behind and bask in God’s holiness. Our exalted God is set apart—far above every rule, authority, power, and dominion, and He has a name above every other name! Yet, He meets with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit to revive their hearts (Isaiah 57:15).

If you've been forgiven and if you've been redeemed
 Sing the song forever to the Lamb
 If you walk in freedom and if you bear His name
 Sing the song forever to the Lamb
 We'll sing the song forever and amen

And the angels cry holy
 All creation cries holy
 You are lifted high, holy
 Holy forever

This classic hymn is beautifully performed by two artists who know the depth, height, and width of God's unfailing love. As Carrie Underwood and CeCe Winans sing of God’s faithfulness, our own hearts are drawn into the assurance of God’s constancy and care. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
   Morning by morning new mercies I see;
 All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
 “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

4. Young Woman's Soul-Stirring 'Goodness Of God' Performance

Young Claire Ryann Crosby sings of God’s goodness with the sweetness and clarity of childlike faith. Because our Lord is the very essence of everything good, we can trust Him—even when nothing else makes sense, and even in times of spiritual dryness. God’s goodness doesn’t just amble behind us, like a lost puppy. His goodness doggedly pursues us all our days (Psalm 23:6).

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other
I've known You as a Father
I've known You as a Friend
Oh, I have lived in the goodness of God
All my life, You have been faithful
All my life, You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the good of God”

5. Dan Stevers - True Love (The Wall) - Phil Wickham

You’ve never fully experienced the depth and beauty of Phil Wickham’s “True Love,” until you’ve listened to the song while watching Dan Stevers' accompanying video. Christ’s sacrifice removed the barrier that separated us from God. That’s true love. And now nothing can ever separate us from God’s love again (Romans 8:38-39). If worship feels hard right now, this music video is a potent reminder of the freedom Jesus purchased for all who believe. 

When blood and water hit the ground
 Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
 We were free and made alive
 The day that true love died
 The day that true love died

6. Michael W. Smith Joins Charity Gayle for Powerful ‘Thank You Jesus for the Blood’ Performance

Charity Gayle and Michael W. Smith team up in this video to sing of the wonder-working power of Jesus’s blood, which was poured out for our ransom. Charity and Michael’s genuine worship helps lead listeners to the foot of the cross, where we are invited to lay down our burdens and celebrate our victory in Christ (Colossians 1:13-14). 

You took my place, laid inside my tomb of sin
 You were buried for three days but then You walked right out again
 And now death has no sting and life has no end
 For I have been transformed by the blood of the Lamb

7. 'How Great Thou Art' By Carrie Underwood With Vince Gill

Carrie Underwood mesmerized her audience at the 2011 ACM, Girl’s Night Out concert when she powerfully proclaimed God’s greatness through this classic hymn (Psalm 34:3). Carrie’s passionate performance revived the hymn's age-old truths, and every listener's countenance shone with God’s glory. The song has been performed countless times since then, even by Carrie herself, but Christians around the world keep coming back to this video on various platforms to witness another glimpse of God’s glory revealed through pure worship. 

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
 And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
 Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
 And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
 How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
 How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Conclusion—Worshipping Even When it's Hard

Worship is a sacred gift. When we lift up our lives, hearts, and voices to proclaim God’s greatness, the Almighty receives the honor He deserves, and we experience the joy of His presence. May these Christian songs help you through the hard times, lighten your heart, and remind you of the hope to which you’re called through God’s incomparably great power (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Insanity Underground Photography

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who writes timeless pieces that help wanderers find home. She’s a columnist for StarLight Magazine for kids, and she teaches writing workshops at local and national conferences. When Annette isn’t writing, teaching, or speaking she enjoys making memories with her brilliant husband, three adult children, two teens, and four adorable grands.