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Exploring the Depths of Personal Reflection
There is a widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, suggesting that by acquiring sufficient 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, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep and meaningful connection with God that serves as a source of inspiration. With a strong foundation in both spirituality and songwriting skills, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always present, waiting to be accessed whenever the Holy Spirit moves you.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The current fast-paced digital culture has deeply influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We mistakenly assume that we should be capable of generating a complete song within a matter of seconds by providing just a few prompts, and that it would be instantly impressive to 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 songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. They don't simply attempt to write a song one day and happen to produce something as remarkable as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the more experienced individuals arrived, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They were always learning how to create impactful lyrics and melodies within captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. These compositions possessed an indescribable but undeniable "WOW" factor that evoked powerful emotions when heard.
The quote from professional golfer Gary Player suggests that with increased practice, one's luck also improves.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already highly motivated and committed, constantly improving their skills and techniques in writing powerful and poetic lyrics. These individuals are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to strive for.
We greatly respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible 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 many years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes instantly skilled at creating a catchy song title or "hook." It takes time and practice. Even Katy Nichole, the rising star at Centricity Music, has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a lucky break, it's actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and abundant inner life is crucial for Christian songwriters. As you strive to expand and convey your faith through your music, it is essential to remember these three key aspects.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with little time to tend to our own well-being. While it's important to show compassion and help others, it's equally crucial to avoid burning out by neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care looks like for you, remember that it is essential for nurturing your inner self, which is closely intertwined with the care of your external life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and believe that solely focusing on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is enough for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that one cannot craft exceptional lyrics without first immersing themselves in a rich pool of words. Merely relying on news from television networks or cable channels to stimulate your thinking doesn't count. If you aspire to create something impactful that surpasses your own lifespan, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on fear-inducing content to boost their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations aim to anger you, so you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by driving ratings and attracting sponsors. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew is detrimental to your soul and creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection on the love and goodness of God. Notice how this shift in focus leads to an overflow of positivity in your songs. Negativity steals away your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Allow yourself a break and replenish your heart and mind with Jesus' Spirit once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. This reminds me of a quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on honing your Christian songwriting abilities, it's important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply rehashing the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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