All the World

“There is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free, but Christ is all, and in all.” – Colossians 3:11 NASB

Will Thompson described how the inspiration for songs came to him at “odd times.” He could be at home or in a hotel, shopping or traveling. He realized God had given him a special gift, that many of these songs seemed inspired, yet he could find no publisher. He could have given up, but he instead decided to start his own publishing company to share these God-given insights.

In one of his most personal hymns, Thompson described what Jesus meant to him. He wrote, “Jesus Is All the World to Me.” He is “my life, my joy, my all. He is my strength from day to day, without Him I would fall.” He knew that Jesus was his friend and “made him glad when he was sad.”

Born on this day in 1847, Thompson experienced many storms, but he knew that Jesus “sends the sunshine and the rain.” When facing doubt, Thompson did not give up because Jesus was a friend who had been “so true.” Thompson simply had to follow Jesus, knowing “He watches o’er me day and night.”

Thompson could trust the Lord no matter what happened. He wrote, “I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when life’s fleeting days shall end.” It’s a “beautiful life that has no end,” and he looked forward to spending eternity with Jesus.

Ask yourself whether Jesus is all the world to you. Do not hold back. Dedicate yourself to Him.

Reflection Question: Reflect on what all Jesus means to you today.