The story behind the hymn
Charlotte Elliott lived much of her life with illness. A family account says she wrote “Just As I Am” in the mid-1830s on a day when she felt useless and full of doubt, and wanted to remind herself what her faith stood on.
It was printed in 1836 in The Invalid’s Hymn Book under the text of John 6:37. The tune most often used, WOODWORTH, was written by William Bradbury in 1849 for a different text and later paired with Elliott’s words.
Some details of its early history are uncertain, but its message is clear and has made it a hymn of invitation for generations.
The Scripture behind it
All that the Father gives me will come to me. The one who comes to me I will in no way throw out.
John 6:37 (World English Bible)
A short reflection
No waiting until we are better, stronger, or more sure. The invitation is to come as we are, and the promise is that Christ will not cast us out.
Jesus, I come as I am. Receive me, and make me yours. Amen.
The full words
Read the full words of this hymn, with tunes and scores, on Hymnary.org.
Read the full hymn text →Source for author, dates and public-domain status: Hymnary.org. Scripture quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).