A husband loses his job days before the family home is foreclosed. A child is diagnosed with cancer. An accident claims the life of innocent children. Grief overtakes our daily routine. Hope and faith are lost. Events happen that leave us feeling spiritually crippled and we find ourselves saying: “Life is so unfair!” How do we get past the fear, doubt and hopelessness and come out stronger? Compelling stories in songs make someone else’s reality real. Be encouraged and restore your hope when you listen to songs that tell stories.
Here are 10 Christian songs that tell a story
10. Voice of Truth- Casting Crowns
We all face giants in life that try to break us down and force us to give up. This story is relevant to everyone and a reminder that doubt and fear will keep trying to push us down, but God is always there to lift us up.
Favorite Lyrics
“But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth”
9. “Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis
People come to know Christ differently, whether they grow up going to church or are lead to Him through tragedy. This song tells the story of a farmer, teacher, preacher and hooker that were in a bus accident. The hooker survived, while the other three passed away. The preacher placed a Bible in the hooker’s hand before dying, which had a profound impact on her life.
Favorite Lyrics
“There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway
Why there's not four of them Heaven only knows
I guess it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you
It's what you leave behind you when you go”
8. “He’s Alive” by Don Francisco
As a talented storyteller, Don Francisco brings Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection alive and timeless through the dramatic music that compliments the lyrics.
Favorite Lyrics
“Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I’d ever had
Just melted into peace:
7. “The Little Girl” by John Michael Montgomery
The innocence of a child is heart touching and this song captures just how precious all of God’s children are to Him. This is a country song about a little girl who Jesus comforted the night her father killed himself and her mother.
Favorite Lyrics
“And some people from the city took the girl far away
To a new Mom and a new Dad
Kisses and hugs everyday”
6. This is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli
I love this song because it speaks about the everyday drama we deal with – it’s the small things that can add up and veer us off course.
Favorite Lyrics
“So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world”
5. He’s My Son by Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz wrote this song about a family dealing with a son going through cancer. He’s My Son was included in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. It focuses on what any mother may go through losing her son and portrays Mary remarkably well as she is losing Jesus. A mother’s love doesn’t end for her children even when God’s plan includes suffering and pain.
Favorite Lyrics
“Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can You see him?
Can You make him feel all right?
If You can hear me
Let me take his place some how.
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son.”
4. Steven Curtis Chapman's "With Hope"
Someone grieving can find a lot of comfort in this particular song. Too often there are no explanations as to why tragedy happens and this song speaks to that.
Favorite Lyrics
“We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope”
3. Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Country music often retells stories and I love this one by Carrie Underwood about a young mother who is going through a rough time in life. In a near car accident, the woman shouts out for Jesus to take the wheel and guide her life.
Favorite Lyrics
“Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Oh, Jesus take the wheel”
2. Steven Curtis Chapman "Cinderella"
You can tell just how much Steven Curtis Chapman loves his daughters through this song! Time never seems to slow down and it’s important to appreciate even the smallest moments with our children.
Favorite Lyrics
“So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone”
1. I Need A Miracle- Third Day
This song tells a powerful story of how desperate people can feel and what it takes to pull them back up. There is always hope and God is always available to work miracles. It’s through these difficult times we learn and grow the most.
Favorite Lyrics
“And in your hour of desperation
Know you're not the only one
Prayin', "lord above, I need a miracle"
Conclusion
God has used these songs to bless many others and myself through good times and challenging situations. Christian songs that tell a story are powerful and take incredible work to perfect. Next time you are feeling down, listen to one of these songs to gain a new perspective and lift your mood. What are your favorite Christian songs that tell stories?
Related Post: 7 Christian Movies Inspired By A True Story
Credit for Songs
10. Writers: Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman
Copyright: Sony/ATC Tree Publishing
9. Writers: Kim Williams and Doug Johnson
Copyright: Sweet Radical Music, Mike Curb Music
8. Writers: Don Richard Francisco, Richard Don Francisco
Copyright: New Spring Publishing Inc., Chrysalis One Songs LLC
7. Writer: Harley Allen
Copyright: Coburn Music, Inc. (Publisher); Harley Allen Music, LLC (Publisher)
6. Writer: Ian Ashley Eskelin
Copyright: Designer Music, Honest And Popular Songs, Word Music LLC
5. Writers: Mark Schultz
Copyright: Mark Schultz Music (Publisher)
4. Writers: Steven Curtis Chapman and Geogg Moore
Copyright: Sparrow Song
3. Writers: Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson
Copyright: Songs Of Southside Independent Music Publishi, BMG Rights Management (Ireland) Ltd., Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing, Stage Three Songs
2. Writer: Steven Curtis Chapman
Copyright: Primary Wave Brian (Publisher), Sparrow Song (Publisher)
1. Writers: Mac Powell, Mark Lee, Billy Wilkins, Tai Anderson and David Carr
Copyright: Capitol Christian Music
