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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World Through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, you can somehow avoid 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 important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as this will provide the inspiration and creativity needed. With a strong foundation in songwriting skills and a spiritual connection, there is no need to search for shortcuts – the ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible when guided by the moving Spirit in one's heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern fast-paced culture centered around technology has influenced us to adopt a mindset that expects instant results, similar to the speed at which a microwave heats up food. This mindset convinces us that we have the capability to mimic the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within a matter of seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by those who rely on shortcuts. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who are able to effectively communicate their message through their art. They don't simply attempt to write a song one day and miraculously produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the prominent figures, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their skills in their field. They were always learning how to create impactful lyrics and music that could captivate listeners on an emotional level. They aimed to create something that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could deeply touch the hearts and ears of those who heard it.
Professional golfer Gary Player once said that the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes. In other words, Player believes that his hard work and commitment to improving his skills directly contribute to his success on the golf course.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a mocking or insincere manner. These are the dedicated songwriters who are already fully committed to their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in order to create songs with the utmost artistic and lyrical quality. These are the men and women who are willing to invest their time and effort to reach a much higher level of expertise compared to most aspiring writers who are not as dedicated 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 writers have dedicated many years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to even rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it became popular through a stroke of luck, this is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous methods to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our busy lives, filled with chaos and constant demands, it is easy to neglect taking care of our souls. However, it is crucial to recognize that while we should never neglect our responsibilities towards others, if we do not take the time to rest and replenish ourselves, we will eventually burn out. It is important to define what self-care means to us and view it as essential for maintaining our inner well-being, which is closely connected to the care we give to our outer lives and physical bodies.
Nurturing your intellect is important. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that focusing solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is sufficient for a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft remarkable lyrics without first being filled with profound and insightful words. If you have stopped reading extensively after college, or even high school, it is vital for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from television networks or cable channels does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that can transcend generations, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news is solely focused on creating fear to attract viewers. Even channels that claim to be Christian use anger to keep people watching and expose them to sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, their constant negativity is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Take a break from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and use that time to reflect on God's love and goodness. You will likely notice an increase in positivity and joy in your life. Negativity steals your happiness and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters, such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music and lyrics by drawing inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and expertise in the field of Christian songwriting. A well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player perfectly captures this notion, stating that the more one practices, the more fortunate they become.
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a profound inner life. It is essential to offer something fresh, courageous, and liberating to the world, rather than simply regurgitating old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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