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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
There is a widely believed misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, suggesting that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, techniques, and shortcuts, one can effortlessly avoid the arduous task of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. When you possess this connection and strong songwriting abilities, you don't have to rely on shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you, especially when you feel the movement of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The fast-paced digital culture we live in has conditioned us to expect instant gratification, leading us to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We have this notion that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within three seconds, which would amaze 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 practitioners of Christian songwriting and effectively communicate profound messages through their art. They do not merely attempt to write a song one day and accidentally stumble upon timeless classics like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Prior to the arrival of the more influential individuals, these artists were already dedicated to honing their skills and achieving greatness in their field. They were consistently learning and perfecting the art of combining impactful lyrics and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something that evoked strong emotions and possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor, which is unmistakable once experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more he finds himself having good fortune on the golf course.
These individuals are not actively seeking free opportunities or giveaways for Christian songwriting workshops. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to refining their skills and exploring advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These men and women are investing their time and effort to reach a level of creativity that surpasses the commitment of most aspiring writers I encounter.
Many of us have great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful 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 numerous challenges in order to refine both their music and their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this is especially true for the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral by luck, this is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her hard work and success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to foster a deep and gratifying inner life. Consider these three key points as you strive to nurture and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, we often don't have much time to take care of our souls. While it's important to care for and help others, if we neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation, we will eventually become exhausted. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with our outer life and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their intellects and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of extensive reading. They acknowledge that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first being filled with profound ideas. If you have not pursued further reading since college or even high school, it is essential for you to return to books. Merely indulging in fear and cultural biases through watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news is driven by a desire for high ratings and often uses fear tactics to keep viewers engaged, even the so-called "Christian" stations are guilty of this. Talk radio shows, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on generating high ratings and securing sponsorships. However, the constant negativity they spread can have a detrimental effect on your well-being and creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, focusing on the love and goodness of God. You may find that this shift in focus leads to an increase in positivity and a renewed sense of joy. Negativity only serves to steal your happiness and intensify feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and fill your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements are also attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are cultivating your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also nurture your spiritual life. It is essential to bring forth something fresh, daring, and freeing through your music, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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