All Depends on Our Possessing
All depends on our possessing
This hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of providence and Christian reliance upon God's care, rejecting anxious concern for material security. It reflects Reformation themes of justification by faith and the proper Christian attitude toward worldly possessions.
History & Background
Zinzendorf composed this hymn in 1734 expressing the Moravian emphasis on trust in divine providence and contentment. Catherine Winkworth's English translation first appeared in her 1863 collection and became standard in Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 589
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 447
- Lutheran Service Book — 732
- Lutheran Worship — 415
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 425
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Zinzendorf in 1734, this Moravian hymn reflects Reformation confidence in God's providence while rejecting anxious striving for security—a word for every age and budget.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the law's condemnation of covetousness into the gospel's proclamation of divine providence, teaching that Christian freedom means trusting God's promises over grasping at possessions.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law and Gospel: The soul's radical unworthiness (stanzas 1-2) gives way to Christ's redemptive power (stanzas 3-4). The hymn moves from honest confession of sin to confident reception of grace.
Themes
Trust in Providence Christian contentment Stewardship God's care and sustenance Detachment from worldly goods