Jesus Is All the World to Me expresses complete dependence on Christ, highlighting His role as a source of strength, joy, and eternal life. The song emphasizes trusting in Jesus daily, following Him faithfully, and rejoicing in His presence both now and forever. It reflects a personal relationship with Christ, affirming that He alone sustains and guides the believer.
VERSE 1
Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without him I would fall:
When I am sad, to him I go,
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, he makes me glad,
He’s my friend.
VERSE 2
Jesus is all the world to me,
My friend in trials sore;
I go to him for blessings, and
He gives them o’er and o’er:
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He’s my friend.
VERSE 3
Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to him I’ll be;
Oh, how could I this friend deny,
When he’s so true to me?
Following him I know I’m right,
He watches o’er me day and night;
Following him by day and night,
He’s my friend.
VERSE 4
Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better friend;
I trust him now, I’ll trust him when
Life’s fleeting days shall end:
Beautiful life with such a friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy,
He’s my friend.
Story Behind the Hymn
Will L. Thompson, born in 1847 in East Liverpool, Ohio, displayed musical talent from a young age, composing songs during his teenage years. After studying at Mount Union College and the New England Conservatory of Music, he established the W. L. Thompson Music Company, achieving success in both secular and sacred music. [1]
In 1904, Thompson penned “Jesus Is All the World to Me,” reflecting his deep personal faith. The hymn’s lyrics emphasize a personal relationship with Jesus, portraying Him as a source of strength, joy, and guidance. [2]
Thompson’s commitment to Christian music led him to write other enduring hymns, such as “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.” His contributions have left a lasting impact on Christian hymnody, with his songs continuing to be sung in congregations worldwide. [3]
Trusting in Jesus Daily
“Jesus is all the world to me” expresses total dependence on Christ, reflecting Philippians 1:21, where Paul declares, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This phrase signifies that Jesus is the source of life, purpose, and joy, aligning with Colossians 3:4, which calls Christ “our life.” It emphasizes that believers should find their ultimate fulfillment in Him.
“He is my strength from day to day, without him I would fall” aligns with Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” This highlights the believer’s daily reliance on Jesus for spiritual strength. The idea that without Him, one would fall echoes John 15:5, where Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”
“Following him I know I’m right” speaks of obedience to Christ, echoing John 8:12: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This phrase underscores the assurance that following Jesus leads to truth and righteousness.
The song’s theology is biblically sound, focusing on Christ’s sufficiency, faithfulness, and the promise of eternal life. It presents a personal and relational view of Jesus, portraying Him as a constant source of joy, strength, and guidance. The lyrics align with Scripture, making the song a theologically sound declaration of devotion and trust in Christ.
Relevant Bible Verses about Jesus Is All the World to Me Hymn
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 NASB
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 NASB
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart triumphs, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalm 28:7 NASB
“I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NASB
“Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.'” John 8:12 NASB
Jesus Is All the World to Me lyrics and music by Will L. Thompson, (1847) Public Domain