Blog Post:
Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can evade the arduous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, having a deep spiritual connection with God is essential for being a dedicated Christian songwriter, and it cannot be replaced by simply relying on tips and tricks. When you possess a strong connection with God and have developed your songwriting skills, you don't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of quick and easy digital consumption has influenced us to expect instant results, making us believe that we can possess the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should be able to input a few prompts and generate a song in less than three seconds that will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts. Instead, these writers are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating their message through their craft. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, they were already devoted to studying and improving their artistic skills. They were consistently learning how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, and then construct them into captivating compositions that could deeply touch and move the emotions of their audience. They aimed to create something that had a remarkable and indescribable "WOW" factor, which could only be recognized when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more he practices, the more fortunate he becomes.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to produce the most refined and impactful lyrics. These men and women are committed to paying their dues and investing a substantial amount of time into their creative process, surpassing the level of dedication I typically observe in aspiring writers.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys who have made remarkable contributions to the realm of Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without the impactful work of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we sometimes overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced various challenges along the way in order to refine both their songs and their ministries.
Their talent for creating catchy and memorable song titles is truly exceptional, but this skill didn't develop overnight. This is true for everyone, including the rising star of Centricity Music, Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity online, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her well-deserved success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are several avenues you can explore to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential aspects to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves. However, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and ensure that we do not neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. While it is important to be caring and supportive towards others, if we do not take care of ourselves, we risk burning out. Taking care of our inner selves is just as vital as taking care of our outer lives and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements for a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of immersing themselves in extensive reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first being filled with profound ideas and knowledge. If you have ceased reading extensively after completing college or even high school, it is crucial for you to rediscover the value of reading. Merely consuming fear-driven news or reinforcing your cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to create something impactful that surpasses your own existence, it is imperative to nourish your mind with remarkable literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even the channels that claim to be Christian thrive on making viewers angry in order to keep them engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building ratings and sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant negativity they spread is detrimental to your soul and creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead, spend that time in quiet contemplation, focusing on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors, as negativity robs you of joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, express themselves through their music based on their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their abilities as Christian songwriters. It is similar to what the renowned Australian golfer Gary Player once said, "The harder I work, the more fortunate I become."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply repeating phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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