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Expressing from a Deeply Nurtured Inner World
There is a popular misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, suggesting that by simply acquiring ample tips, techniques, and shortcuts, one can evade the essential process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people's hearts.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. By having a strong bond with God and honing your songwriting skills, you won't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you, especially when you feel the Holy Spirit guiding your heart.
The photo credit for this image goes to Laura
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has deeply influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can mimic the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have developed the expectation that we should be able to effortlessly generate a popular song in a matter of seconds by simply providing a few prompts.
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 or easy methods. These writers are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, who effectively communicate their messages through their art. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the major figures arrived, they were already dedicating themselves to their craft and striving for excellence. Continuously learning, they were focused on mastering the art of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing compositions that could captivate listeners on an emotional level. Their goal was to create something that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, an irresistible quality that could be felt and recognized instantly.
Professional golfer Gary Player once said that the more he puts effort into practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his game.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a trolling manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These individuals are committed to their craft, investing time and effort to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We greatly appreciate the talent and impact of individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys when it comes to Christian worship songwriting. It's hard 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 improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy 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 viral success by luck, that is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her music for many years. Congratulations to her for her hard work!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and spiritually enriching inner life is essential for Christian songwriters. Here are three important factors to consider when aiming to develop 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 to take care of our souls. However, it is essential to ensure that we don't neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. While it is important to care for and serve others, if we ignore our own well-being, we will eventually burn out. So, whatever self-care means to you, consider it crucial in maintaining a balanced inner life, which is closely connected to the care of our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Songwriters within the Christian community often overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that solely focusing on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is sufficient for a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the value of extensive reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound words. If you haven't indulged in reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to dive back into books. Merely consuming fear-inducing news on television or through cable networks does not fulfill this requirement. If you aspire to write something impactful that can transcend your own lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even the channels that claim to have Christian values rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also depend on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your emotional well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that your newfound positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Allow yourself a respite and allow the spirit of Jesus to fill your heart and mind once more.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create heartfelt music because they draw from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their expertise in the field of Christian songwriting. I greatly appreciate the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated that the more he practices, the more fortunate he becomes.
While you work on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling personal life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling clichéd phrases and ideas that have been around for years.
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