The Hallelujahs that are Hard

When praise is pricey

The algorithm did right by me this week. It suggested a video of a performance of Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll. Now, Brandon I am familiar with and since you’re a reader of Thoughts on Eternity, I’d imagine you know of him too— an Elevation Worship staple, a member of Maverick City music, etc. etc.

But Jelly Roll? Besides recognizing his face, I didn’t know much.

But something made me click the video though and PHEW, about 30 seconds in, I got chills. A minute in, I was in tears.

The song, besides being both melodically beautiful and comforting, carries this visceral weight. It’s as if their “hallelujahs” are being sung from the absolute depths of their souls — howled from the rawest parts of their hearts, where weariness, pain, challenges, and heartbreak all live.