Naming Our Challenges in Lyrics

 

Those who know me personally know that I have been writing music since the age of twelve.  Music has been a HUGE part of my life.  To date I have written close to 100 songs, maybe not a lot to boast in for a 20 year span, but nonetheless these are lyrics that tell a story.  It is even okay with me if no one else likes my music and lyrics their purpose served to bring me close to God and know His heart for me, and me express myself.  

My songwriting skills have gotten better overtime, and recently I have joined in with The Getty's Hymn Writers Collective in learning to be a better songwriter.  Through their Sing! Global ministry I have been able to take part in being mentored and have access to content that I couldn't have even dreamed of even a few years ago.  I've been so grateful for the fresh drink this has been in my song writing "career" to be challenged, and given ideas to think on and develop.  

Maybe we can all agree that there is a lack for deep theological songs to hang on to.  I can remember that being one of the things my Jesus mama encouraged me in the most.  I always share a new song with her, and she was always quick to point out and say that my lyrics hold deep truth and theological value, and they do!  I have given my life to studying the truth of scripture and systems of theology.  What I have faced in life through circumstances I have looked to filter them through Christ, and seek to understand and express in music and lyric.  

In a recent video session with Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, I really appreciated a point Stuart encouraged in naming our challenges.  A lot of my music is just this, asking the questions of "God do you stand with me? Who stands with me at all?"  As a lyrical exercise, here is a verse I just wrote naming these challenges, obviously such a rough draft but a start to a specific naming versus an idea:

In the dark night of my soul, depression takes control. 

Thoughts that aren't my own, and I'm laying here alone.

My bed is a grave, I'm buried in shame.

Who could touch me? Heal me in this shape?

So this is a heavy verse to sing.  There is a lot to analyze and feel in this.  It's dark, oppressed feeling, helplessness, nobody is around to help it feels like, "bed is a grave" could convey a message in many different ways.  In my opinion, I think in a song such as this when we name challenges we face, and feel the heaviness of it, it deserves a response of hope and comfort.  Things of angels and Jesus praying and fighting for us. I think there is a careful balance in all of music, what sets us apart in the music industry is we get to proclaim Jesus and the Gospel! While we can be a country song and loose it all, the man, the woman, the dog, the truck, we don't have to numb our pain, we have the hope and assurance of Jesus.  We can study the lyrics of various genres, even the music progression, and while it may give words and rhythm to how you are feeling, there is a still a void.  A rock song can give a release through the grunge sound, and a check mark to defining moods, but what does it leave you with?  They have named the challenge, now what?  To the believer, now and forever there is Jesus.  When I can't even get out of my bed, my soul can rest in knowing that Jesus is fighting for my soul.  When I can't sing, or pray, or pick up my Bible, Jesus is there.  When my friends are no where to be found, Jesus.  And when I can't even feel Him, and I question His existence and presence in my life, He is still there.  Jesus is strong enough to hold me, and keep me even if I let go.

I believe singing is a prayer to God.  It is both soothing comfort, and confession to God.  Not just Lord, Have Mercy, but in that, Have mercy for depression, and shame, and death, and lonliness.  

How would you feel to sing a song in church that had no turn around of redemption?  

What are your thoughts in this opinion piece?  

What would your verse of naming challenges look like?  How does Christ respond?