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Writing with an Abundant Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring sufficient tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can evade the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks cannot replace the importance of having a deep connection with God as a committed Christian songwriter. If you possess this connection and strong songwriting abilities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you, especially when you sense the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photo credit goes to Laura E. Part
The prevalent culture of quick and convenient digital experiences has influenced us to adopt a mindset of instant gratification, making us believe that we can possess the abilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should be capable of generating a song within a matter of seconds by simply inputting a few prompts, and that this song will instantly impress everyone.
However, based on my personal experience, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts or easy methods. Instead, these songs were crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicated their message through their art. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and unexpectedly produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and striving for excellence in their craft. They continuously educated themselves on the techniques of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, forming captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. They aimed to create something emotionally stirring, possessing a certain indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be recognized when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are highly motivated songwriters who are already dedicated to their craft and continuously learning and honing their skills in writing profound and meaningful lyrics. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to reach a much higher level of expertise in comparison to most aspiring writers who are not as committed to their craft.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made remarkable contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's impactful song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated numerous years to perfecting their craft and have faced various challenges while refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is true for even the rising star of Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may appear to have gained viral success by luck, that is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her music for years, and we applaud her for that.
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to nurturing a fulfilling and meaningful inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to enhance and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, our lives are often filled with busyness and chaos, leaving very little time for taking care of our souls. It is important to not neglect our responsibilities and obligations towards others, but we must also recognize that if we do not take care of ourselves, we will eventually become burnt out. Taking care of ourselves should be considered essential for nurturing our inner selves, as it is interconnected with maintaining our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of stimulating their minds, believing that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that without immersing themselves in remarkable words, it is impossible to compose extraordinary lyrics. If you ceased reading extensively after completing college or even high school, it is vital for you to revisit books. Merely consuming fear-inducing content and succumbing to cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If your goal is to create something impactful that can withstand the test of time, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear to attract viewers. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering you just to keep you engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by increasing ratings and securing sponsorships for their investors. However, the constant stream of negativity they perpetuate is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creative abilities. Consider abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and utilize that time to reflect quietly on the love and goodness of God. You may find that this practice results in an overflow of positivity in your music. Negativity deprives you of joy and fuels feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish 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 can also be attributed, at least partially, to their proficiency as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on enhancing your abilities in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is essential to go beyond the clichéd phrases and ideas that have been repeated for years and instead bring something fresh, daring, and liberating to the world through your music.
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