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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
There is a widespread misconception regarding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can effortlessly evade the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with listeners.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone is not enough for a Christian songwriter to excel. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a wealth of inner experiences to draw inspiration from. By cultivating a strong bond with God and honing your songwriting skills, you won't have to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence will always be readily available whenever you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding you.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of quick and convenient digital services has influenced our thinking to expect instant results, similar to how CHATGPT or AI operates. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within seconds that will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts or quick fixes. These writers were, and still are, skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating their message through their craft. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and miraculously produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the more established individuals, they were already dedicating themselves to studying and striving for excellence in their craft. They were continuously learning how to create impactful lyrics and melodies that could create captivating compositions capable of deeply resonating with listeners. These compositions possessed an emotionally evocative quality that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, but one that could be instantly recognized when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate opportunities I seem to encounter.
These individuals are not actively seeking out Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways without any serious commitment. They are dedicated songwriters who are already fully engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to produce the most profound and impactful lyrics. These individuals are the ones who are truly devoted to their art, investing a substantial amount of 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 in their remarkable contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. However, it is important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in improving their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is particularly true for the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a lucky viral success, it is important to note that she has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations, Katy, on your success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three important factors to consider while striving to expand and communicate your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves. However, it is crucial to ensure that we make time for rest and rejuvenation. While it is important to be caring and helpful towards others, neglecting our own needs can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your mind. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only necessary components of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters delve into deep reading. They understand that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge. If you have not continued reading past college or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Simply feeding your fears and conforming to societal biases through watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure even beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to attract more viewers. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on provoking anger in order to keep you engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and your ability to be creative. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, focusing on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity steals your happiness and intensifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music because of their deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent and expertise in writing Christian songs. This reminds me of a well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner life. It is crucial to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply rehashing the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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