Anne Wilson ‘My Jesus’ Review: The Powerful Story Behind the Worship Anthem

Q: How did Anne Wilson's brother Jacob pass away?

In 2017, profound sorrow enveloped Anne Wilson and her family. Her beloved older brother, Jacob, passed away in a devastating car accident. Jacob was only 23 years old at the time of the accident. This sudden and unexpected loss plunged the family into deep grief. It tested their faith in ways they had never imagined. However, even in their immense pain, the Wilson family chose to lean on their unwavering conviction in Jesus Christ. They understood that God is sovereign, even over life's most heartbreaking moments. Their faith became their anchor during this storm. Indeed, Anne herself testifies that their trust in God remained steadfast. She found comfort in the knowledge that Jacob was now in the presence of the Lord. Therefore, their faith provided a foundation of hope amidst the sorrow. Finding God's Purpose in Unspeakable Loss (Romans 8:28) The passing of Jacob could have shattered Anne Wilson's world. Instead, God began to reveal a profound purpose through this unspeakable loss. The Holy Spirit brought comfort to the family. This led Anne to discover her calling in Christian music. Initially, she never planned to be a singer. However, at Jacob's funeral, she was asked to sing for the first time. This experience marked a turning point in her life. It showed her how God can take brokenness and create something beautiful. As the Scripture reminds us in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). This powerful truth became a living reality for Anne and her family. Through her brother's death, Anne found her voice. She began to share the message of hope and salvation. Ultimately, Anne's journey demonstrates God's redemptive power. He transformed her deepest sorrow into a message of hope.

Posted on 4 November 2025

‘My Jesus’ is the powerful debut worship anthem by Christian artist Anne Wilson. The song was written as a personal testimony of faith following the tragic death of her brother, Jacob. It’s a declaration of her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an invitation for others to know the Savior she loves.

Few songs have captured the hearts of believers quite like Anne Wilson’s worship anthem, “My Jesus.” From its first note, the song invites listeners into a personal encounter with the living Savior, echoing the timeless message of God’s love and redemptive power. This powerful melody has transcended charts to find a home in both private and communal worship. It’s a reminder that Jesus is not just a historical figure but a present, compassionate Lord, whose death and glorious resurrection offer eternal hope to all who believe (John 3:16).

Behind the song’s beautiful vocals and stirring lyrics lies a deeply personal testimony. It is a story of loss and unfathomable grief that transformed into triumphant faith, pointing directly to the comfort of our Savior. In this article, we will uncover the powerful narrative that birthed this modern classic. We will explore the circumstances that inspired Anne Wilson’s confession of faith, examine the biblical truths in every line, and see how God brings beauty from ashes—turning personal tragedy into a global message of hope.

What is the story behind the song ‘My Jesus’?

Photorealistic, professional photography, high-quality stock photo style. A young woman, appearing thoughtful and serene, with her head slightly bowed, hands gently clasped in a gesture of quiet prayer or deep contemplation. She is seated in a naturally lit, peaceful environment, perhaps a simple, reverent room or a sun-dappled outdoor space. The lighting is soft and warm, highlighting a sense of spiritual peace and introspection. Focus on genuine emotional depth and quiet strength. Natural skin tones, subtle textures, sharp focus on the subject with a softly blurred background.

Anne Wilson’s song “My Jesus” is more than a popular worship anthem; it’s a profound, personal story of faith forged through loss. This powerful testimony resonates with believers globally, offering a clear picture of Jesus Christ’s comfort and redemptive power.

A Testimony Born from Tragedy

Anne Wilson’s journey to writing “My Jesus” began with a heartbreaking tragedy. In 2017, her beloved older brother, Jacob, was killed in a car accident ^[1]. This devastating event shook Anne’s world. Before this loss, she had planned to become a nurse and had never considered a career in music. However, her immense grief led to a pivotal moment of surrender and renewed faith. During her brother’s funeral, Anne sang in front of an audience for the first time, offering a heartfelt rendition of Hillsong Worship’s “What A Beautiful Name.” That moment marked the beginning of her musical journey, revealing God had a different plan for her life. This experience beautifully illustrates how God can use our deepest sorrows for His divine purposes. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

The Meaning Behind the Lyrics: ‘Let Me Tell You About My Jesus’

The chorus of “My Jesus” is a powerful, personal declaration. The line “Let me tell you about my Jesus” speaks to Anne’s intimate relationship with her Savior, signifying both ownership and deep affection. This isn’t a distant, theoretical Jesus; He is a personal Friend and Lord. The lyrics paint a vibrant picture of His character in several profound ways:

Healer and Comforter: “He can pick you up from your ashes.” This line points to Jesus’ ability to restore and bring hope from despair.
Savior and Redeemer: “He can heal the broken, the hurting, the lost.” Jesus offers salvation and transformation to all who seek Him.
Ever-Present Help: “He’s in the fire with you, He’s gonna pull you through.” This assures believers of His constant presence during trials and tribulations.
Friend and Guide: The entire song serves as a warm invitation for listeners to experience this same personal relationship.

These lyrical themes are deeply rooted in scripture. Jesus Himself declared, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He is the good Shepherd who cares for His flock (John 10:11-15) and offers living water to those who thirst (John 4:10-14).

How God Turned Grief into a Global Anthem of Hope

What began as a raw expression of grief at a family funeral was quickly transformed by God into a testimony that touched countless lives. Released as her debut single in 2021, “My Jesus” rapidly became a global phenomenon ^[2]. The song soared to the top of Christian music charts, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart ^[1] and earning a Platinum certification from the RIAA ^[3]. This incredible success is a testament to God’s power to take our broken pieces and craft them into something beautiful. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Ultimately, Anne Wilson’s song has become an anthem of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, Jesus is present to offer comfort, healing, and a pathway to eternal life. It truly reflects the loving nature and sovereign plan of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

How did Anne Wilson’s brother Jacob pass away?

Photorealistic, professional photography, high-quality stock photo style. A tender, compassionate close-up of two hands, one gently comforting the other. The hands could be holding a worn Bible or a simple, small wooden cross, symbolizing faith and solace. The background is softly blurred with warm, ambient light, suggesting a moment of shared comfort, prayer, and hope amidst sorrow. Focus on genuine human connection, empathy, and serene reverence. Natural skin tones, subtle details, sharp focus on the hands.

A Tragic Accident and a Family’s Faith

In 2017, tragedy struck Anne Wilson and her family. Her older brother, Jacob, died in a car accident at just 23 years old ^[4]. This sudden loss plunged the family into a deep grief that tested their faith in ways they had never imagined.

Despite their immense pain, the Wilson family leaned on their faith in Jesus Christ. They found their anchor in the belief that God is sovereign, even in life’s most heartbreaking moments. Anne testifies that their trust in God remained steadfast, and she found comfort knowing Jacob was in the presence of the Lord. This shared faith provided a foundation of hope amid their sorrow.

Finding God’s Purpose in Unspeakable Loss (Romans 8:28)

While Jacob’s death could have shattered her world, Anne believes God began to reveal a new purpose through the loss. As the family found comfort, Anne discovered an unexpected calling in Christian music. Though she had never planned to be a singer, she sang for the first time in public at Jacob’s funeral.

This experience marked a turning point, revealing how God can create something beautiful from brokenness. This truth is reflected in Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This promise became a living reality for the family. Through her brother’s death, Anne found her voice and began sharing a message of hope and salvation.

Anne’s journey is a powerful testament to God’s redemptive work. He transformed her family’s deepest sorrow into a ministry that now reaches millions. Her song, “My Jesus,” is a direct result of this experience and speaks to the personal, comforting, and powerful nature of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that God heals, restores, and redeems all things for His glory. Even in the shadow of death, Jesus remains a light and a salvation, offering eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16).

Who originally sang ‘My Jesus’?

Anne Wilson’s Debut Single

Anne Wilson is the original singer of “My Jesus,” the powerful anthem that marked her debut as a recording artist in 2021. With this release, she introduced her unique blend of faith and country-infused worship, unveiling a deeply personal testimony to the world. The song was more than just a successful debut; it was a clear expression of her divine calling.

From a Funeral Song to a #1 Hit

The journey of “My Jesus” is truly remarkable, beginning as a personal expression of faith during a time of profound grief. Anne first sang it at her brother Jacob’s funeral, and the song’s raw emotion and truth resonated deeply with everyone present. It was a powerful example of God using a difficult time for His glory, as Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

After this moving introduction, the song was released as her first single and quickly soared to incredible heights. “My Jesus” topped both the Billboard Christian Airplay chart source and the Hot Christian Songs chart source. This success transformed the track into a global anthem of hope, reminding millions that Jesus is personal and mighty, even in our deepest sorrows. Just as Psalm 30:11 declares, He turns mourning into dancing. “My Jesus” stands as a powerful testament to how God can redeem pain to spread His truth and love throughout the world.

What is the Biblical Message of ‘My Jesus’?

Photorealistic, professional photography, high-quality stock photo style. A beautifully illuminated, open Bible resting on a rustic wooden table or a simple, clean surface. A focused beam of soft, golden light shines down onto the pages, symbolizing divine revelation, truth, and spiritual understanding. The setting is serene and reverent, suggesting a quiet study, a church pew, or a peaceful home environment. Focus on the clarity of the text and the profound spiritual significance of the light. Sharp focus on the open Bible, natural textures, and a harmonious color palette.

A Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ (John 17:3)

The core message of Anne Wilson’s “My Jesus” is deeply personal, highlighting an intimate, living relationship with Jesus Christ. This is not a song about a distant deity or a historical figure, but about a Savior who is actively involved in our daily lives.

Jesus Himself defined eternal life as this kind of personal knowledge. In John 17:3, He prayed, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” This shows that true salvation is more than intellectual belief—it is a profound, personal connection.

Anne Wilson’s testimony powerfully illustrates this truth. In her deepest grief, she called out to “My Jesus,” and He met her with comfort and hope. This is the heart of Christianity: a relationship forged in faith, sustained by grace, and experienced daily.

Jesus desires a personal connection with each of us.
He wants us to know Him, not just know about Him.
This personal relationship brings peace and purpose.

The Power and Sufficiency of the Savior

The lyrics of “My Jesus” declare the incredible power and sufficiency of Christ. Anne Wilson beautifully articulates the many facets of Jesus’ character. He is not merely a spiritual guide; He is the all-sufficient Savior for every human need. The song describes Him as:

A Comforter: He brings peace in times of sorrow (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
A Shelter: He offers refuge and safety from life’s storms (Psalm 91:2).
A Redeemer: He frees us from sin and its consequences (Ephesians 1:7).
A Healer: He restores brokenness, both physically and spiritually (Psalm 103:2-3).
A Friend: He walks beside us through every trial (John 15:15).

Put simply, Jesus is enough for every situation. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Because His power is limitless and His grace is always sufficient, He stands ready to help, heal, and uplift all who call upon His name. He is the answer to every need—yesterday, today, and forever.

An Open Invitation to Experience His Love

Beyond a personal testimony, “My Jesus” serves as an open invitation. The song is a heartfelt call for listeners to discover this loving Savior for themselves, an offer Jesus extends freely to all people.

He welcomes those who are hurting and calls to those who feel lost or burdened. Matthew 11:28-30 declares, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This promise holds true today.

God’s love is unconditional and inclusive. John 3:16 famously states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This timeless truth remains the core of the Gospel message: an invitation to receive salvation, forgiveness, and new life through Him.

Anne Wilson’s song shares this good news with incredible passion, inviting listeners to experience the same hope she found in Jesus. This powerful message has resonated with many; for example, “My Jesus” topped multiple Christian charts [source], reaching millions with its evangelistic heart. Ultimately, the song points to a core truth: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the only way to salvation, and He lovingly offers Himself to all who believe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lainey Wilson and Anne Wilson related?

No, Lainey Wilson and Anne Wilson are not related. Although both are successful artists in the music industry, they do not share a family connection. Their distinct musical journeys are a testament to God’s unique plan and purpose for each individual (Psalm 139:13-14).

What song did Anne Wilson sing at her brother’s funeral?

Anne Wilson sang “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship at the funeral for her brother, Jacob ^[5]. This deeply personal performance was the first time she had sung in public after his death. The pivotal moment served as a catalyst, inspiring her to pursue a music ministry and share the hope of Jesus Christ with others.

What denomination is Anne Wilson?

Anne Wilson identifies as a Christian. While she grew up with a background in Baptist traditions, her ministry is not defined by a single denominational label. Her primary focus is to share the message of Jesus and encourage a personal relationship with Him, reflecting the unity of all believers in Christ (Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

Sources

Tags: Anne Wilson, Christian music, My Jesus, Song review, Worship Music