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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if you acquire a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, you can effortlessly evade the diligent 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 crucial to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as this will serve as a constant source of inspiration. With a strong foundation in songwriting skills and a spiritual connection, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The clarity and confidence to write well will always be readily available when the Holy Spirit moves within you.
The image has been captured by Laura E.
The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced us to adopt an impatient mindset, making us believe that we can emulate the capabilities of advanced AI models like CHATGPT. We believe that with just a few inputs, we should be able to instantly generate a remarkable song that will impress everyone in less than three seconds.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who communicate deep messages through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create something as powerful as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the influential figures appeared, these individuals were already deeply engrossed in their artistic pursuits, striving to achieve greatness. They dedicated themselves to continuously learning and perfecting the skill of weaving impactful words and melodies together, creating captivating compositions that would resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their aim was to create something that possessed an indescribable yet undeniably powerful "WOW" factor, which could be recognized and appreciated instantly upon hearing it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the greater amount of practice I engage in, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive or provoking manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already deeply engrossed in their craft, consistently honing their skills and exploring advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to reach a level of creativity that surpasses the commitment I observe in most aspiring writers.
We greatly respect individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without the powerful influence of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is easy to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes successful overnight, and this is true for Katy Nichole, the rising star of Centricity Music. She has been posting songs since she was just fourteen years old, showcasing her talent for creating catchy and memorable song titles or "hooks". While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like an overnight success, the reality is that Katy has been honing her skills and working hard for years to get to where she is now. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and perseverance!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurture and enhance your inner life. Consider these three key points to aid in your personal growth and to authentically express your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. However, it is important to remember that while we should continue to care for and serve others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our inner well-being, which is intimately connected to the care we give to our external life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of engaging their minds, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of living a sanctified life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in exceptional words. If you have not pursued further reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to return to books. It is not sufficient to feed your fears and cultural biases by consuming network or cable news. If you aspire to write something impactful that can endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with great literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing their ratings by instilling fear. Even stations that claim to be Christian are guilty of provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits all rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your emotional well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and use that time to reflect quietly on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
When it comes to Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, they are able to create their music with a great abundance of inspiration from their strong connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their exceptional skills as Christian songwriters. An insightful quote from Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind: "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are working on your ministry in Christian songwriting, it is important to remember to constantly cultivate a deep and meaningful personal life alongside honing your skills as a songwriter. The world is in need of fresh and original content from you, something that is daring, fearless, and liberating, rather than just recycled phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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