Journaling music isn't hard and since music speaks to each of us differently we all have different perspectives about songs. I have favorite songs for different moods, and I've been known to play some on repeat just allowing the music to speak to me. In the Bible, David soothed Saul with music. In fact, the whole book of Pslams is a record of music and poetry that David wrote. Just as the Bible can speak to us and show us God's plan, so can music.
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Journaling Music
Journaling music is not difficult, and it keeps a written record of songs that speak to you on your spiritual journey. It's also a great creative journal to start! The next steps will show you how easy it is to create a journal of music.
Song Lyrics
Writing down lyrics is a great way to keep music close to your soul. Lyrics speak to us, guide us, and can be used by God to help us in our journey. One of my favorite songs is “What a Beautiful Name.” I've included the chorus here.
What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong
The song is powerful to me. It's a true worship song telling the listener what a beautiful name the name of Jesus is. Keeping this song in a journal will always remind me how I feel about this song, and will preserve the lyrics for years to come.
Write the Story of the Song
If you know the story of the song, record that in your journal. The story that caused the writer to write the song can be just as powerful as the song itself.
The Spafford Family
When Horatio G. Spafford wrote the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” he had suffered a terrible loss.
Loss
Spafford was a lawyer in Chicago, and he and his wife Anna had 5 children.
In 1871, Spafford's son died of pneumonia. In that same year, Spafford had lost most of his business in the Great Chicago Fire. He was able to rebuild his business and because of God's grace and mercy, his business flourished. On Nov. 21, 1873, the French ocean liner, Ville du Havre was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Those passengers included Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters. Mr. Spafford had planned to go with his family, but a business issue kept him in Chicago. He told his wife he would join her and their children in Europe a few days later. He would just sail on another ship.
On the passage across the Atlantic, a collision with another ship caused the Ville du Havre to sink. Of the Spafford family, only Anna Spafford survived, and only 86 other passengers lived.
Mr. Spafford booked passage on the next ship and left to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children perished.
According to Bertha Spafford Vester, a daughter born after the tragedy, Spafford wrote: “It Is Well With My Soul” while on this journey.
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Chorus:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul
Life After Loss
After the death of their daughters, Anna gave birth to 3 more children, and one child, a son, died from pneumonia. The Spaffords later moved to Jerusalem where Mr. Spafford died and is buried.
Such a powerful story that gives life and power to the words of the song. Writing the story of a song is important.
Write Your Song Story
When a song speaks to you and helps you get through a difficult time, or reminds you to celebrate a wonderful time, write down the song and the story.
One song that has impacted my life forever is “I Hope You Dance” by LeAnn Womack. When the single came out in May of 2000, I had no idea what an impact that song would have on my life.
My sister and I were in San Diego, CA and any time we were near the beach, and that song came on the radio, we'd roll down the windows and blast the song! We loved that song! I had no idea that my sister would suddenly pass away on June 1, 2000. That song got me through many hard and sad moments. Even today when I hear the song it takes me back to the ocean in San Diego and the last vacation I had with my sister.
Write your song stories in your journal. They will be a treasure for many years to come.
Other Ideas for Journaling Music
Other ideas for journaling music are adding stickers, pictures, and other embellishments to the pages. This is not something you have to do, but it will make your pages stand out.
Another idea would be to use this journal to write your song. Maybe you're not a lyricist, but that doesn't mean you can't write a song that comes from your heart. Words are powerful, and inspiration comes from many different emotions, so if you feel inspired write your song in your journal.
Music is Powerful
Music is powerful. Lyrics evoke strong emotions and can help you in your relationship with God, and journaling music can help you grow too. Don't be afraid to use songs that aren't deemed “Christian music,” not every song that speaks to me is considered Christian music. God uses all kinds of different tools to grow us closer to Him. Write your songs down so you can create a legacy through music.