Hard times have a way of stripping everything back. Matt Rees knows this well — and "Hard Times" was came out of one of those seasons. The Michigan-based singer-songwriter has spent years writing music that builds up the church and glorifies God, and this song carries that same honest, unpolished faith.
What makes it remarkable is the posture Rees takes. Rather than crying out from the pain, he's thanking God for it. "I thank You for the hard times // when You test what's in the depths of my heart." That's not wishful thinking… That's hard-won conviction coming from the slow & dark times, and the confusing times when everything comes apart at the seams. Rees names them all, and then he names what happens next: God shows up!
The chorus wraps it together…. "This life ain't always easy // but You're always faithful and true." Simple, true, and more important…. it's enough! Because when you've lived through the kind of seasons that Rees sings about, you don't need elaborate theology. What really helps is a reminder that His mercies are new every morning.
So, give "Hard Times" a listen. May this song help to reframe whatever you're walking through right now. "You always show up and reveal Yourself to me."
(Related scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 43:2)
Background:
Maybe it's a given that we're going to have rough times in life - this song came out of one of those. He tests, He corrects, and He shows Himself for who He is, not who we think He is.
Release date: April 24, 2026
Connect with Matt Rees
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattrees.music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattReesM
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3GyZLcVcvp7KFGrfOtEMjI
Would you like to hear more CCM music? Then check out our Christian playlists on: https://www.christiandance.eu/playlists
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