Three Lies that Come against Songwriters
Do you struggle to follow through with your desire to write songs? I think we all do at times, but we don’t want to settle into complacency and be ok with staying in that place. Just like anything else, you need to have a goal and measurable success points in order to be able to see your growth. When it comes to diligence and follow-through, there are some common lies that come against us as songwriters. Here are three of those lies and the truths that directly answer them:
1. The lie: What you’re doing is so small and insignificant that no one would notice or care if you didn’t follow through - so why bother?
The truth: We’re all called to be faithful with the “little.”
Jesus says that if you’re faithful with little, He will give you much. Most people don’t realize it, but they’re waiting for the “much” to arrive before they start being faithful with their “little.”
What has God put in your heart to do? Focus on that and don't look back. Our part of the equation is to show up and follow through. What happens after that is completely up to Him.
Also, “much” is relative. Your influence over twenty people may be huge compared to the guy down the road. By learning to be satisfied playing for an audience of one, you will come to appreciate the opportunity to be able to speak into the lives of those who are listening to your songs, no matter what the numbers look like.
Where are the ones who will say that no matter what results may or may not come, I’m going to be faithful to what He's called me to do?
2. The lie: There are already thousands of songs out there that sound way better than yours ever will and are way more creative - so why bother?
The truth: No one else can write your songs.
God fashioned and formed you to be unique from the rest of humanity. No one else thinks like you, talks like you, or writes like you.
In this day where social media and YouTube give anyone the ability to post anything, we can be left feeling like we don’t even have an original thought or thinking.
Don’t sit on the sidelines and watch others pursue their dreams. Don’t wait for your “big break.” Take the initiative and start writing. I believe that God has songs reserved for you specifically and will give them to you if you ask and apply yourself to this craft.
3. The lie: You regularly skip your quiet time and are forever going to be running on fumes in your walk with God - so why bother trying?
The truth: There are no super Christians and worship starts in the secret place where God is always ready to meet you.
Though songwriting takes clarity, skill, and diligence, the spiritual side of what we’re doing cannot be overstated. If your spiritual gas tank is empty, you won’t have much to invest in your writing.
You need to fill up your tank in order to be able to pour out. You need to have content. That doesn’t mean that you will always feel spiritually up-to-par (or that you need to) in order to write. Honestly, some of the most amazing songs for me have come out of feeling completely and utterly empty. However, by living a lifestyle of intentionally worshipping and praying in the secret place (Mt. 6:6) and meditating on His word, you will have something to pour out when songwriting.
The bottom line is that your desire to write songs is from God and the enemy wants to discourage you with lies, but for every one of his lies, God has a greater truth. Don’t give in to fear and complacency. Ask the Lord to remind you of the dreams He’s given you and for the power to be faithful and diligent to follow through on your part.
Huge thanks to my friend Jordan Vanderplate for letting me use this photo of Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, CO. Check out more of his work here.
