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Tapping into a Deep Inner World through Writing
There is a widespread misconception about Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the arduous process 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 devoted Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as well as strong songwriting skills. With these qualities, there is no need to search for shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible whenever you feel the Spirit inspiring you.
The picture was captured by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced, technology-driven society has shaped our thinking to expect immediate results, similar to the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within seconds that will impress everyone.
However, from 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 the art of Christian songwriting, communicating profound messages through their music. 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."
Prior to the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already immersed in their art and striving for greatness. They devoted their time to continuously learning and honing their skills in order to create impactful compositions and lyrics that could deeply resonate with the audience. Their goal was to create something emotionally stirring, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that instantly captivates listeners.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways as a means to further their skills. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We greatly respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's 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 of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks without putting in a lot of time and effort. This is true for everyone, including up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral overnight, it's important to realize that Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life
As a Christian songwriter, there are several approaches to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, we often neglect taking care of our souls. Although it is important to care for and serve others, if we don't take time to rest and recharge ourselves, we will eventually exhaust ourselves. It is essential to recognize the significance of self-care in maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the sole components of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters acknowledge the significance of delving into profound knowledge. They understand that it is impossible to craft remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in them. If you have ceased reading extensively after college or even high school, it is invaluable for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing content and succumbing to cultural biases through network or cable news is not sufficient. If you aspire to write something that can make a lasting impact beyond your own lifetime, it is crucial to nourish your intellect with exceptional literature, poetry, and other forms of inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on fear-inducing content to increase their ratings. Even so-called "Christian" stations rely on provoking anger to keep viewers engaged and expose them to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships. However, their constant flow of negativity takes a toll on your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. Consider taking a break from all forms of news for a few weeks and spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on God's love and goodness. You may notice that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Allow yourself a respite and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus once more.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music from a deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent and abilities as Christian songwriters. A famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player resonates with this idea, as he stated that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, fearless, and empowering to the world through your music, rather than relying on recycled phrases and ideas that have been used for years.
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