Jesus Is All the World to Me

Will Thompson discovered that God had given him the ability to write songs. He received inspiration through the events of his life. Ideas came to him at “odd times” and wherever he was, “at home or hotel, at the store or traveling.”

Realizing that this was a special gift, he felt called to share the special musical insights he had received from God. Yet no one would publish his songs. He could have given up, but instead decided to start his own publishing company.

In one of his most moving hymns, Thompson described what Jesus had meant in his life. He wrote, “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.” He knew that Jesus was his Friend, who “made him glad when he was sad.”

Thompson, who was born on this day in 1847, experienced the storms of life. But he knew that Jesus “sends the sunshine and the rain” and that He also “sends the harvest’s golden grain.” When faced with doubt, Thompson did not give in, because Jesus was a Friend who had been “so true.” He simply had to follow Him, knowing that “He watches o’er me day and night.”

He could trust Jesus no matter what was happening in his life: “I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when life’s fleeting days shall end.” It was a “beautiful life that has no end,” and he looked forward to spending eternity with Jesus, his faithful Friend.

Ask yourself if you are focusing on the things of this life (with their temporary rewards), or whether Jesus is “all the world” to you. Do not hold back. Dedicate yourself fully to Him.