My dad has stage 4 cancer. He’s 84 and is going through chemo and immunotherapy. This is his second time facing cancer—the first was more than 30 years ago. This time, it’s much harder for my family and me. My mom is stressed, and both of my parents are so tired and weak that they rarely leave the house. We’re holding onto faith and hope. Contemporary Christian music and worship songs have really encouraged me. I want to share a few that have touched me and explain why. I hope they encourage you too.

Even If by Mercy Me

These lyrics have literally been a prayer of mine. I know God is able to heal my dad and my mom, but I hold onto hope even if God doesn’t heal.

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

I feel a lot of sorrow and pain. Sometimes it comes out as anger, and it’s hard not to lose my temper. I know God can take all of this away, and I pray that He does, but even if He doesn’t, I’ll keep holding onto hope.

I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

I’ve been thinking about how God has helped me through tough times before. He was with me through the loss of babies, a close friend’s suicide, betrayal, and a long period of being single. I held onto Him then, and I’m holding onto Him now.

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

Greater Is by Elevation Worship

I’ve held onto the promise in Romans 8:28 during hard times: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” When student teaching was tough, I remembered this verse. When my dad first had cancer and struggled with his health, I trusted this promise. Now, as my dad faces cancer again and I struggle, I turn to this verse once more.

God was faithful when my dad fought cancer the first time. I trust He’ll be faithful again now.

Always On Time Elevation Worship

I got married for the first time at 47. It was a long wait, but it was worth it. My wife is everything I hoped for and more. I’ve always loved kids and wanted my own, and God has given me two wonderful daughters. As I wait to see what God will do for my dad, and when answers don’t come right away, I remind myself that God is always on time. His timing is perfect.

I also remember that God has been with me through every moment, even the hard ones. While I wait, I’ll keep trusting and worshiping Him. This song helps me do that.

There’s never been a day, never been a minute
Never been a moment that You weren’t in it
There’s never been a time that You didn’t see me through, God
So I worship You
There’s never been a day, never been a minute
Never been a moment that You weren’t in it
There’s never been a time that You didn’t see me through, God
So I worship You

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) by Hillsong Worship

I remember when my world fell apart after a mentor betrayed me. I lost close relationships and had to move away. God took those broken pieces, put me back together, and used me in ways I never imagined.

Right now, I feel like my life is in pieces again. I feel broken and hurt, but I trust God to put things back together because I know He’ll come through and make something new. He’ll use this trial to shape my character and help others.

All these pieces, broken and scattered
In mercy gathered, mended and whole
Empty-handed but not forsaken
I’ve been set free, I’ve been set free

Just Be Held by Casting Crowns

Affection is how I feel loved. When I’m hurting, I need to be held. Usually, I’m the one trying to keep everything together, but I’ve learned that sometimes I need help too. I need to give my pain to Jesus and let it go. I need to be held.

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you’re tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There’s freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held

What are some songs and lyrics that have helped you? Put them in the comments. Maybe they will help someone else.