10 Mainstream Songs That Unintentionally Point to Jesus

Let’s play a game.

Listen to a little bit of this iconic classical song.

How does it make you feel when you listen to this? Inspired? Dreamy? At peace? Maybe you felt absolutely nothing when you listened to this song, and that’s okay.

Music makes us feel something. God created music, and we use it as a way to worship Him. God also created our minds to be creative and to interact with His creation.

The song for me that started this entire idea was the ’80s hit, “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper. I actually heard this song played once at a women’s conference in a spontaneous worship session. And it…really caught me off guard. I knew this song was clearly written about a romantic relationship. But as cheesy as it was, I couldn’t help but think about how God has been there for me in my life, time after time.

I wanted to make this distinction clear: we are supposed to be in the world, but not of the world. The more I grow in my relationship with the Lord, I find that He can speak to you in the most unique ways. Through the smile of a stranger, your favorite meal, or something as simple as trees blowing in the wind. I truly believe He can speak to each one of us individually.

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature.” | Romans 1:20

Now, what you came here for. Here are 10 songs that may not have had the intention of worship but remind me of God’s goodness and fill me with hope.

1.) When I Look At You | Miley Cyrus

Okay…confession time. I actually sang this song in front of my church when I was 7 years old. I wonder what the church leaders would have thought if they had found out the song was written by Miley Cyrus. This song was featured in the movie “The Last Song” with Miley and Liam Hemsworth. But the lyrics truly speak to the fact that even in your darkest hour, God is there and you can lift your eyes to Him!

“When I look at you, I see forgiveness. I see the truth. You love me for who I am. Like the stars hold the moon. Right there where they belong, And I know I’m not alone.”

2.) What Was I Made For? | Billie Eilish

Look, I know the Barbie movie wasn’t everyone’s favorite film. But it had a lot to say about being human, emotions, and creation. This song brings me to tears every time I listen to it because I never have to wonder what was I made for. We try to match our identity to our jobs, deeds, whatever that blank is for you. But, when we put our identity in Jesus, it changes everything. He paid the price so we don’t have to and He’s loved us all along. Make sure to check out my favorite version of this song.

“Just somethin’ you paid for What was I made for?”

3.)How Deep Is Your Love | The Bee Gees

I mean c’mon, this is straight out of Ephesians 3:18. How deep, how wide, how long, is His love? This is a great reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and He is with us wherever we go!

“I believe in you. You know the door to my very soul. You’re the light in my deepest, darkest hour. You’re my savior when I fall.”

4.) The Bones | Maren Morris

I think Cody Carnes and Maren Morris could do a collaboration because this song has the same appeal as “Firm Foundation.” No matter what life throws your way, the Lord is constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

“I know any storm we’re facing will blow right over while we stay put. The house don’t fall when the bones are good.”

5.) Somewhere Only We Know | Keane

You might feel like this one is a stretch, but I truly think about my quiet time with God when I hear this song. Sometimes when the world is falling apart and you feel hopeless, the only thing that can help is finding time to sit in God’s presence and lay it all at His feet.

“I’m getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin. And if you have a minute, why don’t we go? Talk about it somewhere only we know.”

6.) Know Who You Are | Moana Soundtrack

Y’all. If this does not remind you of the Father’s love I don’t know what will. Moana wasn’t my favorite Disney film, I’ll admit it. But when I heard this short song and Moana was walking toward the monster, without fear and reminding her who she was, it hit home. Jesus would cross oceans just to find you and remind you that you are loved and a new creation.

“I have crossed the horizon to find you. I know your name. They have stolen the heart from inside you. But this does not define you. This is not who you are. You know who you are.”

7.) Take Me Home | Pentatonix

I mean take me home in my head here means take me into the holy of holies. Imagine Jesus singing this over you. He cares about the things in your heart and He never wants you to truly forget where you belong – in His kingdom as a child of God.

“And don’t you forget, the only that matters is your heartbeat going strong. Oh, don’t you forget, that nothing else can matter ’cause you know where I belong”

8.) From Now On | The Greatest Showman

I mean this Broadway-esque song already sounds like a gospel choir. This song tells a story. It tells a journey of going from death to life, from darkness to light. If I’m not mistaken, that’s what salvation is. God saved us from our darkest places and soon we will return to our forever home in heaven!

“And let this promise in me start. Like an anthem in my heart, from now on. And we will come back home, And we will come back home. Home, again!“

9.) In the Name of Love | Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha

I feel like this song is like God calling out for us to follow Him, and our response is to testify of His love. If any church wants to bring some EDM to their worship set, I have found the song for you.

“I wanna testify. Scream in the holy light. You bring me back to life. And it’s all in the name of love.”

10.) Time After Time | Cyndi Lauper

If you truly listen to these lyrics, even if they were meant to romance, it really speaks to how God is omnipresent and will always be there for you no matter what! Just listen to that chorus and imagine Jesus speaking those words over you, you might tear up a bit.

“If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, Time after time. If you fall I will catch you, I’ll be waiting. Time after time.”

So even if it’s not a random song, before the day is over, listen to what God is speaking to you!

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Alaina Goode

Hey, I'm Alaina!

Or some would call me Laney. I'm from small town friendly Forest City, NC. I love spending time with my family, worship, film, theater, and basically all things music.

God is writing our stories so that every life has a testimony. I want to spend my life creating platforms with others to share these stories and glorify the kingdom of God!