Sharing Faith and Creativity
Phil Wickham’s Journey of Worship and Witness
Life often surprises us with unexpected moments that can forever impact our journey of faith. Singer, songwriter, GMA Dove Award winner, Phil Wickham joined Family Life Radio in studio where he shared his experience with spontaneous song creation during a soundcheck, a perfect example of such a moment.
While on tour, amidst the usual routine, a new song burst forth from Phil, an unplanned expression of worship. He recalls, “I just started singing … out of nowhere.” (00:21:24;27 – 00:21:26;05) This moment led to the birth of “This Is Our God,” a song that has touched many.
You, too, might find that God often speaks in the moments you least expect. It’s in these unscripted times that you might feel a surge of inspiration or an unexplainable peace. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (NIV).
Be open to the unexpected.
God might just be waiting to surprise you with something beautiful and life changing.
Songwriting as a Reflection of Faith
For Phil Wickham, songwriting is more than creating music. It’s about reflecting his journey with God. Following a significant experience at the Grammys, Phil felt a renewed urgency to express his faith.
“Everybody needs Jesus – all of us do. And my heart was so heavy in that moment of like, wow … maybe because my expectations were so high … and I’m like, ‘I’m so thankful I know you, God,’ and I just want to shout it from the rooftops. And, and so the next morning, I went into my little writing room and I wrote, ‘I Believe.’”
I believe there is one salvation
One doorway that leads to life
One redemption
One confession
I believe in the name of Jesus Christ
Phil continues, “I am just declaring all the things I believe and inviting anybody who wants to join with me in that. … I’m so proud of who my God is and what He’s done for me.”
You can use your gifts to connect deeper with your faith.
Whether it’s through music, art, or writing, channel your experiences into your creations. Creating can be a form of worship, a way to process your thoughts and feelings, and a method to communicate your faith to others.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 states, “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things” (NIV). Your creations can become a path through which others see and begin to understand the nature of God’s work in their lives.
The Power of Scriptural Songs
Phil’s approach to songwriting often involves direct inspiration from Scripture. His reflections on Psalm 23 led to powerful insights, which he transformed into music. He describes this process: “The Lord is my shepherd, and that means I don’t have to clamor for anything; I can rest in that.” (00:22:05;22 – 00:22:26;21)
This verse not only inspired a song but also offered him a profound personal revelation about dependence on God and contentment.
In your own life, Scripture can serve as a steadfast guide and inspiration. Whether you’re writing a song, a journal entry, or simply meditating in prayer, the words of the Bible offer comfort and direction. By integrating God’s Word into your daily practices, you anchor your activities in a biblical foundation, enriching both your creative endeavors and your spiritual growth.
Phil Wickham’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable, creative, and reflective nature of walking in faith. Through his music, he not only shares his faith but also encourages others to see the work of God in their own lives.
As you navigate your own path, remember these lessons from Phil.
- Be open to the unexpected
- Use your talents to express and deepen your faith.
Let the Scriptures inspire and guide you.
In doing so, you can live a life that not only sings praises but also bears witness to the grace of God in every note.
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