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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World through Writing
There is a widespread misconception when it comes to Christian songwriting that suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can avoid the arduous process of mastering the art of creating captivating songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. By possessing strong songwriting abilities and a close relationship with God, you won't need shortcuts – the clarity and confidence to write well will always be readily available when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Image by Laura E. Partain
The modern culture of instant gratification through technology has influenced us to expect quick results, leading us to believe that we can possess the same capabilities as advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We mistakenly believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly create a song in less than three seconds that will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have witnessed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the big ones, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their craft. They were consistently learning how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, and were able to construct engaging compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to evoke strong emotions and create an indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be understood when experienced.
As professional golfer Gary Player once said, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more opportunities for success and favorable outcomes come my way.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly honing their skills and exploring advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to their own craft.
Many of us hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made significant contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine the world of worship without the impact of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine their songs and ministries.
No one is able to create a catchy song title, or "hook," like them. However, this talent didn't come to them overnight. It takes time and effort for anyone to excel in this area. Even Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music, has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" might seem like it gained viral success by chance, that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music career for years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take to nurture a deep and gratifying inner life. Here are three key aspects to consider while striving to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, it is easy to neglect the care of our souls. Although it is important to care for and serve others, if we do not take the time to rest and rejuvenate ourselves, we will eventually become exhausted. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining our inner well-being, which is interconnected with the care we give to our outer lives and physical bodies.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of exercising their minds and believe that focusing solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is sufficient for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of delving into deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics unless they have first immersed themselves in a wealth of knowledge. If you have not pursued further reading since college or even high school, it is invaluable for you to pick up books once 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 time, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by spreading fear. Even the so-called "Christian" stations aim to provoke anger in order to keep viewers engaged and sit through their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative pundits maintain their positions by generating high ratings and attracting sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creativity. Consider abstaining from all forms of news for a few weeks and utilize that time to sit quietly, reflecting on God's love and goodness. You may notice that your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies 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, have the ability to write effectively because they draw inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and proficiency as Christian songwriters. This reminds me of a quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on honing your skills as a Christian songwriter, it is essential to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful spiritual life. It is important to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your songs, rather than simply recycling the same old phrases and ideas that have been around for years.
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