I Surrender All

“I Surrender All” is a hymn that invites you to pause — not just to sing, but to let go. It’s not about doing more or trying harder, but about releasing control, pride, and fear into the hands of Christ. Quietly and honestly, it leads the heart to say, “I give You everything.”

The Story Behind the Hymn

This hymn was written in 1896 by Judson W. Van DeVenter, an artist and music teacher who spent years wrestling with whether to fully dedicate his life to ministry. Though he was active in church, he struggled to surrender his own ambitions. After finally yielding to God’s call during a revival meeting, he wrote the words to “I Surrender All” as a reflection of that moment.

The melody was composed by Winfield S. Weeden, who traveled with Van DeVenter and helped popularize the song at evangelistic meetings. Over time, it became a classic — often sung during altar calls or moments of personal reflection.

What Makes It Powerful

What makes this hymn different is its vulnerability. It’s not about declaring strength — it’s about admitting need. The words don’t promise perfection, just willingness. Surrender is not easy, but this hymn makes it beautiful. Line after line, it gently pushes away self-dependence and draws the soul back to trust.

One verse that reflects the message of the hymn is Luke 9:23 (NIV):

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

This isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily, sometimes difficult, but always freeing choice: to follow Jesus with open hands and a trusting heart.

My Violin Cover

When I arranged “I Surrender All” for violin, I wanted it to feel prayerful. Not too polished, not too showy — just real. The melody has a softness to it, almost like a whisper, and I tried to leave space between phrases so it could breathe.

Some hymns are full of boldness; this one is full of honesty. With Violin Hymns, I try to bring that kind of emotion through each note — and this hymn asked for a quiet kind of strength.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, take a moment to ask yourself: is there anything I’ve been holding back? This hymn is a gentle nudge to loosen your grip and trust Jesus fully. He’s not asking for perfection — just surrender. All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give.

Lyrics

All to Jesus I surrender,

All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him,

In His presence daily live.

Chorus:

I surrender all,

I surrender all,

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,

Humbly at His feet I bow,

Worldly pleasures all forsaken—

Take me, Jesus, take me now.

Chorus:

I surrender all,

I surrender all,

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,

Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;

Let me feel the Holy Spirit—

Truly know that Thou art mine.

Chorus:

I surrender all,

I surrender all,

All to Thee, my blessed Savior,

I surrender all.