This song of comfort was written in 1929 by Edward H. Joy, who was born in 1871 in England. He joined the Salvation Army as a bandman and became an officer at the age of twenty-three. Throughout his career, he served in many administrative positions internationally and rose to the rank of Salvation Army Colonel. He retired in 1938 and was promoted to Glory in 1949.
“All Your Anxiety” describes the challenges that everyone experiences at various times in life: sorrows, cares, anxieties, and disappointments. Joy saw that these experiences were true with folks worldwide; no one was exempt. He wrote this song to remind believers what to do with all their anxieties and cares.
The truth of God’s Word is beautifully expressed in this song. The believer is admonished to go to God in prayer about every care and concern while thanking Him for every blessing. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).
“All Your Anxiety” hasn’t appeared in many hymnals. It isn’t well-known, but singing or prayerfully reading through the stanzas has been a source of help and comfort to many, as Colonel Joy meant it to be. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (I Peter 5:7).
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross, each burden bearing,
All your anxiety- leave it there.
All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there;
Never a burden he cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.
No other friend so quick to hear;
No other place to leave your burden;
No other one to hear your prayer.
Heed his entreaty, kind and sweet;
You need not fear a disappointment,
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.
All rights reserved. Without the express written permission of the publisher, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted, whether in whole or in part, in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, storage retrieval system, recording, or any other.