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Tapping into your Inner World for Writing Inspiration
There is a prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the laborious 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 connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in faith and good songwriting skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding you.
This photo was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevailing culture of instant gratification in the digital era has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can replicate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have this notion that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a mind-blowing song in less than three seconds, resulting in widespread excitement and admiration.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have had a lasting impact on the world were not created by mediocre writers. Instead, they were crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicated deep messages through their art. These writers did not simply attempt to write a song randomly and accidentally create powerful tracks like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to honing their skills and striving for greatness in their craft. They consistently sought knowledge on how to skillfully construct impactful lyrics and melodies, creating captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences. These compositions possessed an indescribable yet undeniable element of emotional power, leaving listeners in awe and evoking a profound reaction.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate opportunities seem to come my way.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceitful manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaging in their craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in the realms of poetic expression and lyrical techniques. These determined individuals are investing their time and effort to produce work that surpasses the commitment I observe in most aspiring writers.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it's important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges while shaping their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight. It takes time and practice. Even up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole has been sharing her songs since she was fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take to nourish and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while aiming to foster personal growth and express your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it is common for us to neglect taking care of our souls. However, it is important to remember that while we should always care for and serve others, we will become exhausted if we do not also take time to rest and rejuvenate ourselves. Whatever self-care means to you, it is crucial for maintaining your inner well-being, which is interconnected with the care of your external life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their intellects. They often believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Merely relying on television news to feed your fears and reinforce your cultural biases is not sufficient. If you aspire to create something meaningful that can have a lasting impact beyond your own lifetime, it is crucial to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other forms of artistry.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news channels focus on fear tactics in order to attract viewers. Even so-called "Christian" stations thrive on stirring up anger to keep you engaged and to promote their sponsors. Talk radio hosts, controversial personalities, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by increasing ratings and securing sponsorships for their investors. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your mental well-being and creative spirit. Consider taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in peaceful reflection on God's love and goodness. You may find that this shift in focus leads to a greater sense of positivity in your life and even inspires your creative endeavors. 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 more produce their music based on their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and proficiency as Christian songwriters. A famous quote from Australian golfer Gary Player, "The more I practice, the luckier I get," perfectly captures the importance of honing one's skills to achieve success.
While you are working on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to remember to also cultivate a deep and meaningful inner life. It is crucial to offer the world something fresh, daring, and freeing through your music, rather than relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard countless times before.
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