"Emotionalism" has become a very negative word in Christianity over the last few decades. I do understand the argument that Emotionalism does not equal Spirituality. And I also know that you can be Emotional without being Spiritual . But for myself, I find it completely impossible to be Spiritual and keep all my Emotions at bay.
Many of the classic gospel songs of the past have touched my heart in an emotional way. I believe that if a songwriter can touch a person's emotions, then it is much easier to minister to them on a spiritual level. Personally, I would like to see more Emotionalism in the songs that are being written and recorded today.
We live in a society of short cuts and quick fixes. If you have money problems, there are all kinds of loans designed to help you consolidate your debts. If you don't have time to attend college, you can almost buy a degree on the Internet. You can become an ordained minister online, without ever attending Seminary. If you have marriage problems, you can go to your local office supply store and buy a Do It Yourself Divorce kit. There seems to be a quick solution offered for just about every kind of problem you can imagine. But the quickest solution is not always the best solution.
I believe what makes a lot of our classic songs endure for generations, is the fact that the writers had to walk through some long term problems in their life to write those songs. And it was during that time of walking, seeking, and trusting God, that some of the most touching songs we have ever heard were written. Many of the writers of our best loved Hymns and Gospel songs poured all the emotion that they were feeling at the time into their compositions.
In Isaiah 40:31 the Bible says "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." NKJV
What this says to me is, that sometimes I will mount up with wings and fly over my problems. Sometimes the quick fix will be the right solution for me. But then, other times, I'll have to run and not be weary. In other words, I'll be on foot. I won't be flying over the top of the problem. But I will find super natural strength in the Lord to run through it. And I will not grow weary or tired while I'm dealing with it .
But then there will be other times when I will walk and not faint. That means that sometimes I'm just going to have to walk it out with the Lord, and take the long way around. It is possible that I might get weary, and I might get tired. But the good news is, that it doesn't matter if I mount up with wings, or if I run and don't grow weary, or if I'm walking it out slowly. The end result is still the same. I will get through it!
In my own songwriting, the most emotional and spirit filled songs I have written, were written during the "Walking" stages of my life.
The songs I wrote during those times were not just about my specific situation, but they touched just about every subject in the Christian faith. It caused me to examine my entire experience with Christ. I wrote about Love, Heartache, Salvation, Resurrection, Encouragement, God's Word, the Holy Spirit, the Second Coming and Heaven.
God always knows just when and why I need those "Walking" times.
I tend to write about the miracle working hand of God during the times when I "Mount Up With Wings" .
If you are not seeing the emotional or spiritual impact in your songwriting that you would like to, then I want to encourage you not to always seek the quickest solution to your problem, but seek the solution that God has for you. It may not be the easiest, or the shortest, but there are so many things you can learn during those times. And you may just be surprised at the wealth of song ideas that practically write themselves during those times.
Emotionalism is not Spiritual. But it is definitely a tool that can be used by a songwriter to touch people Spiritually. And you may have to have some "Walking Time" in your life before you can turn those emotions into music and lyrics that will have an impact on other people's lives as well.
Until next time, keep on writing!
Daryl Williams
Author: Daryl Williams
| Author's Website: http://darylwilliamstrio.net
Written: 04/01/2005
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Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Songwriter
Comments: 9
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I've never heard that interpretation of the scripture before, but it really touches me! Thanks so much for sharing it.
I am very pleased to have read this. My eyes have been opened so much more. Emotions can be good but bad as well. Thank you for sharing this article.
Great article Daryl.
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT NEW SONG...WHAT'S THE TONE!
I disagree about emotionalism. Emotionalism to Spiritualism is like lightning to AM radio. It's hard to get through the static to reach the signal.
Daryl, Great article. I have noticed the same thing. I wondered if it was me or what. I remember the gospel songs of the 50's and 60's. There seemed to be a difference in the songs quality and subject matter even. I enjoy these songs of today, but miss some of the emotionalism in the songs of earlier times. I think that the devil knowing that his time is short has decided to attack our songwriters, stealing their inspiration, thus effecting christians everywhere of all stripes. Again thanks for the article.
Great article Daryl. I, too, find it difficult to be Spiritual without being emotional! I don't believe we have to seperate the two.
I just happened across your article and enjoyed it very much. If I'm not way off on my definitions, I believe that joy is an emotion, and serving God certainly brings joy! I can understand why some might question emotionalism after having seen it used improperly on occasion, but I have never known a spiritual happening that was not accompanied by emotions. I have never been a "shouter", although I certainly don't condemn it, but when I get really blessed I cry. To some that may seem strange, however it is certainly not a sad crying, but rather extreme joy.
I agree with the comments of last post. If we believe the bible then we must take into account where it said God would not turn away those with a contrite spirit.
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