What Hope Says: Music for the Soul’s Latest Project Offers Healing for a Nation Battling Anxiety
Music for the Soul delivers a healing balm with their newest project, What Hope Says. Endorsed by the American Association of Christian Counselors, this release couldn’t be more timely. With anxiety disorders affecting 40 million adults in the U.S. each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, What Hope Says seeks to offer solace to those struggling with the mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, social media, and political unrest.
“All our consulting therapists told us that anxiety was the thing they were hearing about the most from their clients,” says Steve Siler, founder of Music for the Soul. And in response, Siler partnered with renowned songwriters Scott Krippayne and Tony Wood to craft 12 deeply reflective songs aimed at breaking through the overwhelming weight of anxiety. “Our 30 years of co-writing collaboration allowed us to dig deeply into the issues involved. As with all our projects, the whole process was undergirded by prayer,” Siler emphasizes.
The album opens with “Prayer for the Anxious,” a song that sets the tone for the entire project. It speaks directly to the heart of those feeling trapped in anxiety’s grip. “I’ve learned that people will not trust you with their hope unless you demonstrate that you understand their pain,” says Siler. But this time, he chose to lead not with pain, but with the gentle relief that reminds listeners of God’s enduring presence. “Offering this moment of gentle relief, reminding the listener of God’s promise to always be with us no matter what, was an important place to begin,” he explains.
One of the standout tracks is “Merciful Jesus,” a prayer-based song inspired by the words of St. Teresa of Avila. Its roots in a 16th-century prayer give it a timeless quality that blends the ancient with the contemporary. As Siler describes it, “Merciful Jesus” is more than a worship song — it’s a personal encounter with gratitude and a plea for Christ’s continued care. “It’s a worshipful experience for me every time I hear it,” Siler shares.
Since its founding in 2001, Music for the Soul has never shied away from tough topics. Over the years, they have tackled subjects such as eating disorders, abortion recovery, and even suicide, all through the transformative power of music. But Siler is quick to point out that it’s not just the music — it’s how God designed the human brain to respond to it. “Language (lyrics) is processed in the left hemisphere of the brain, while melody is processed in the right, where trauma is held. Singing a song communicates healing to the whole brain, opening hearts where we can lay a healing message,” he says.
What Hope Says is not just a new album; it’s part of a broader mission. Along with its release, Music for the Soul is making their entire catalog of 225 recordings available to churches, counseling centers, and the general public for a donation of any amount. “I never want anyone to go away without taking something they need because they feel they can’t afford it,” Siler insists. “These recordings have proven to be invaluable, as we’ve seen through countless testimonies over the years. This is about getting these resources into the hands of those who need them most.”
As anxiety continues to rise across the country, What Hope Says serves as a vital reminder of the peace that faith and music can bring. It’s a project rooted in the belief that hope is not just a fleeting emotion — it’s a promise that God will carry us through even our darkest moments. Whether you’re a long-time supporter of Music for the Soul or hearing about them for the first time, this release is a powerful testament to the healing that can be found in the intersection of melody, prayer, and grace.
