Even When It Hurts (Praise Song) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Hillsong UNITED's song titled "Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)" is a declaration of unwavering faith and commitment to worship God regardless of circumstances. The lyrics express a deep dependence on divine grace and a request for purification and renewal, asking for a fainted heart and tainted hands to be washed and for grace to come again. The opening lines establish a posture of humility and need before transitioning into the central theme.
The core message is articulated through a powerful repetition: the commitment to praise even when faced with loss of strength, absence of a song, difficulty in finding words, lost battles, intense pain, or lack of logical sense in singing. The response to these challenging situations is not silence but a louder declaration of praise. This theme is reinforced by the recurring line, "I will only sing Your praise," which acts as a resolute promise. The song acknowledges life's heavy burdens ("mountain weight," "ocean tears") and asks for divine presence and hope during trials.
Further deepening the devotion, the lyrics express a singular focus on God, stating, "my heart burns only for You" and "my soul waits only for You." This passionate desire positions God as the sole object of longing and worship. The commitment to singing praise extends indefinitely, promising to sing "till the morning has come" and specifically "till the miracle comes," linking persistent worship to the expectation of divine intervention and breakthrough. This section highlights the hope that fuels enduring praise.
A live video recording of the song, titled "Even When It Hurts (Praise Song) Live - Hillsong UNITED," was officially released on December 5, 2015. This version captures the song's dynamic nature and the communal aspect of its delivery, common in Hillsong UNITED's worship productions. It serves as a widely accessible representation of the song performed in a worship setting.
The song's message resonates strongly with numerous biblical passages that encourage believers to maintain faith and express gratitude in all seasons of life. For instance, Philippians 4:4 instructs to "Rejoice in the Lord always," while 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 calls for rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. Habakkuk 3:17-19 provides a powerful example of praising God even when faced with complete agricultural devastation, declaring, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." The Psalms, particularly Psalm 34:1 ("I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips") and Psalm 42:5 ("Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him"), also echo the sentiment of choosing praise amidst distress.
The unwavering commitment to praise is reiterated through different scenarios, promising praise even when the morning arrives, when the battle is won, and ultimately, when earthly life concludes. This final set of affirmations underscores the enduring nature of worship, not just through pain but also through triumph and into eternity. "Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)" thus serves as an anthem for resilient faith, encouraging believers to keep their focus and their praise directed towards God regardless of life's unpredictable and often difficult journey.
![Even When It Hurts (Praise Song) Lyrics - Hillsong UNITED]()
