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Expressing Thoughts from an Abundant Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and strategies, one can avoid the effort required to skillfully create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is crucial to have a deep connection with God and draw inspiration from within. If you possess this strong spiritual foundation and have good songwriting skills, you won't need shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Image captured by Laura E. Partain
The modern culture of quick and convenient digital consumption has influenced our thinking, leading us to believe that we can emulate the abilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to instantly generate a song in under three seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, based on what I have seen, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts. These writers were, and still are, skilled in the art of Christian songwriting, effectively expressing their messages through their craft. 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."
Before the influential figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They consistently sought knowledge on how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions and resonate with listeners. They strived to create something that had an indescribable but unmistakable "WOW" factor, which leaves a lasting impression when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate opportunities I seem to come across.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively pursuing their craft and constantly honing their skills in terms of poetry and lyrics. These individuals are committed to their craft and are willing to invest a significant amount of time and effort to create at a much higher level compared to most aspiring writers.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for 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 of their lives to improving their skills and have faced numerous challenges in perfecting their songs and serving in 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. She 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 gained overnight success, it is important to note that Katy has been dedicated to her craft for many years. We should commend her for her hard work and perseverance.
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to nourish and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in busy schedules and overwhelming commitments, leaving very little time for self-care. While it is important to show compassion and help others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves should be considered essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely intertwined with the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth 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 reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without being enriched by profound words first. If you ceased reading after completing college or even high school, resuming your reading habits is essential. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not suffice. If you aspire to create something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to boost ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on inciting anger in order to keep viewers engaged and watching the sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote has a detrimental effect on your soul and creativity. Try abstaining from any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation of God's love and goodness. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music based on their deep connection with God. However, their achievement and popularity can also be attributed to their talent and expertise in Christian songwriting. An insightful quote from Australian golfer Gary Player perfectly captures this idea: "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on your Christian songwriting ministry, it is important to remember to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is essential to continuously enhance your songwriting abilities, but it is equally important to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world. Instead of simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years, strive to bring innovation and boldness to your music.
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