The Psalms Project

The Psalms Project is a two CD collection of music which has been my soundtrack for the pandemic. Written by Mike Janzen, a gifted songwriter and pianist, this CD came out in August 2020, and I have been listening to it almost daily since then, especially at times of stress.

In the liner notes, Mike explained that he had been asked by a good friend to write some music based on the Psalms, but he hadn’t gotten around to it. Then he suffered a debilitating concussion severe enough that he couldn’t read or look at screens. He decided to take one or two lines of the Psalms at a time, and meditate on them. He said he found the ancient words ‘were full of cries to God in times of great distress. They lifted my spirits even though my circumstances weren’t changing. They gave voice to my despair when I couldn’t gather up the strength to call out for myself. They morphed from third person to first person. They carried me.’

With nothing but time on his hands, he gradually found himself writing music and words inspired by nineteen of the Psalms. In time he was able to gather and record the songs in a studio with 14 other musicians, all socially distanced and wearing face masks. He said as the first notes of the recording session were played, ‘tears filled many of our eyes. The sound was rich and resonant, and you could see each face taken aback by the fullness of the music soaring in the studio.’

Mike goes on to say, “and that is how hope works. We are sidelined, weary, sick, sad and feel forgotten. But when the music plays, we are taken aback and we remember the God who holds us. And in the remembering we are renewed and remade to hope again.”

I have found these two CDs to work that way for me. Within a minute or so of sitting and listening to any of the songs, I have felt my stress levels fall and calmness return. I thought it was time to share about this treasure with you!

If you would like to read more about the Psalms Project, go to www.mikejanzen.ca and you will be able to learn more and order the CDs if you so desire.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!