William McDowell - Withholding Nothing - I Surrender All To You Lyrics
Lyrics
I surrender all to you
Everything I give to you
withholding nothing
withholding nothing x3
withholding nothing
withholding nothing x3
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
King Jesus
My Savior
Forever
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
King Jesus
My Savior
Forever
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
I give you all of me
(withholding nothing)
I surrender all to you
Everything I give to you
withholding nothing
withholding nothing
@ William MacDowell - Withholding Nothing
Video
Withholding Nothing Medley
Meaning & Inspiration
William McDowell’s "Withholding Nothing - I Surrender All To You," released on December 16, 2013, emerged as a profound declaration within contemporary worship music, offering a powerful, unadorned call to complete devotion. The song is not merely a collection of verses and choruses; it is an extended, meditative prayer set to music, designed to facilitate a deeply personal encounter with the divine. At its core, the piece embodies the Christian journey's most fundamental aspiration: absolute surrender, a giving of one's entire self without reservation.
The central narrative of "Withholding Nothing" revolves around the repeated, insistent proclamation of total submission to God. The opening lines, "I surrender all to you / Everything I give to you / withholding nothing," immediately establish the song’s profound intent. This isn't a partial offering or a conditional allegiance; it's an expansive commitment that seeks to leave no corner of one's life untouched by divine influence. The repetition of "withholding nothing" serves as an insistent, almost rhythmic affirmation, driving the message home and encouraging those engaging with the song to internalize and vocalize this radical posture of faith. This echo of commitment resonates deeply with the scriptural call in Romans 12:1, which urges believers to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." It's an invitation to a lifestyle where every aspect of existence—mind, body, spirit, resources, dreams, and fears—is laid at the feet of the Creator.
Further enriching this theme is the intimate declaration, "I give you all of me." This phrase personalizes the surrender, shifting the focus from an abstract concept to a deeply felt, individual commitment. It harks back to the greatest commandment found in Mark 12:30, to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." To give "all of me" is to embody this all-encompassing love, allowing no competing affections or divided loyalties. The power of this message is not in its complexity, but in its stark simplicity and universal applicability to anyone seeking a closer walk with God. It challenges the common human tendency to guard certain areas, to hold back parts of oneself out of fear, self-preservation, or a desire for control. The song becomes an anthem for releasing those grip-holds, choosing instead to trust fully in the divine.
The lyrical anchoring of this surrender to "King Jesus / My Savior / Forever" is crucial. This is not an act of blind submission but a conscious choice directed towards a specific, trusted Person. By identifying Jesus as King, the song acknowledges His supreme authority and rightful dominion over all creation and, by extension, over every individual life. Calling Him "My Savior" speaks to the redemptive work He accomplished, providing a foundation of grace and love that makes such a complete surrender not only possible but desirable. It's an act of worship rooted in gratitude and recognition of His ultimate sacrifice. Philippians 2:9-11 declares that God exalted Jesus, giving Him "the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." This divine identity is what makes the unreserved giving not just meaningful, but transformative. It is a response to a God who first gave His all for humanity, as expressed in John 3:16.
The genius of "Withholding Nothing" lies in its ability to strip away all pretense and intellectualization, focusing instead on the raw, essential act of faith. It doesn't rely on elaborate metaphors or complex theological expositions. Instead, its directness and repetition create an immersive experience, drawing believers into a state of deep reflection and active participation. It serves as a spiritual litmus test, prompting one to genuinely consider if there truly is anything being held back from the Lord. This resonates with the ancient narrative of Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac in Genesis 22, a profound testament to "withholding nothing" when commanded by God. The song encourages a similar, albeit spiritual, offering: to lay down our most cherished possessions, plans, and even our very identities before the sovereign will of God, trusting in His goodness and perfect plan. Ultimately, "Withholding Nothing" stands as a timeless invitation to radical faith, encouraging believers to move beyond superficial devotion into a full, abiding, and utterly surrendered relationship with their God and Savior.