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Unveiling the Power of Inner Creativity
There is a prevailing misconception surrounding Christian songwriting which suggests that by acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can effortlessly create captivating songs that resonate with people. However, this belief undermines the necessity of investing time and effort into mastering the art of crafting compelling songs that truly captivate listeners.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and cultivate a rich inner life. When you possess this connection and combine it with strong songwriting skills, you don't need to rely on shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you feel the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content, particularly fast food, has shaped our thinking to expect instant results, similar to how CHATGPT or AI operates. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within a matter of 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. These writers are skilled in the art of Christian songwriting and effectively communicate their message. They don't simply attempt to write a song one day and miraculously produce classics like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicated to honing their skills and achieving greatness in their craft. They were consistently learning and perfecting the art of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply touch and resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something that evoked strong emotions and left a lasting impression, possessing a certain indescribable quality that instantly grabs attention and leaves people in awe.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more you dedicate yourself to practicing, the more fortunate you become in your endeavors.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in hopes of gaining something without putting in the necessary effort. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are already fully committed to their craft, constantly improving their skills and exploring the intricacies of poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and efforts into creating music at a much higher standard compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of dedication and hard work.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their exceptional impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's remarkable rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at crafting catchy song titles and hooks overnight, and this holds true for even the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her songs since she was fourteen years old, and her popular track "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may appear to have gained viral success by luck, but that is not the case. Katy has dedicated years to honing her craft. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to nurturing a meaningful and gratifying inner life. Here are three essential principles to remember while aiming to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves and take care of our inner well-being. It is important to remember that while caring for others is essential, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced life, as our inner well-being is interconnected with our physical health and overall well-being.
Nourish your intellectual growth. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of nurturing their minds, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are sufficient for a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They acknowledge that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge. If you have not engaged in reading since college, or even high school, it is essential for you to rediscover the value of books. Merely consuming fear-inducing news or reinforcing your existing biases through network or cable news is insufficient. If you aspire to create something impactful that surpasses your lifetime, it is imperative to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negative influences. Cable news channels are solely focused on generating fear in order to increase their viewership. Even channels that claim to be Christian have a vested interest in making you angry so that you continue to watch their content and the commercials that accompany it. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits all rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs and satisfy their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. I encourage you to take a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You will likely find that this shift in focus will lead to a greater sense of positivity and contentment, which can then manifest in your artistic expressions, such as your songs. Negativity not only steals your joy but also fuels fear and anxiety. Give yourself the opportunity to recharge and reconnect with the spirit of Jesus, allowing his love and guidance to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, draw inspiration from their deep connection with God when creating their music. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and skill as Christian songwriters. A famous quote from Australian golfer Gary Player perfectly captures this idea: "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you embark on your journey of Christian songwriting, it is important to not neglect the growth of your spiritual life alongside the development of your songwriting abilities. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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