The line "In all my vast concerns with Thee" is a very well-known and beloved stanza from a longer hymn by **Isaac Watts**, often considered the "Father of English Hymnody." Here's its history: 1. **Author:** Isaac Watts (1674-1748) 2. **Source Material:** It is part of Watts' paraphrase of **Psalm 139**. 3. **Publication:** Watts included his paraphrase of Psalm 139 in his seminal work, **"The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament,"** published in **1719**. **Watts' Approach to Psalms:** Before Watts, congregational singing in England primarily consisted of metrical psalters – direct, often clunky, translations of the Psalms into verse. Watts, a brilliant theologian and poet, believed that the Psalms, while inspired, needed to be "imitated" or adapted for Christian worship in the New Testament era. He sought to infuse them with Trinitarian doctrine and references to Christ, making them more relevant to the worshipping congregations of his time. **The Full Hymn/Paraphrase:** While "In all my vast concerns with Thee" is the line you've quoted, it's typically the **fourth stanza** of Watts' full paraphrase of Psalm 139. The hymn often begins with lines like: * "Lord, Thou with an unerring eye" * "My God, what silent wonders stand" The entire paraphrase is a meditation on God's omnipresence (He is everywhere), omniscience (He knows everything), and His constant, watchful care over humanity. **The Significance of the Stanza:** This particular stanza, "In all my vast concerns with Thee, / In all my woes, and joys, and fears, / Thy hand was still employed for me, / And dried my sorrows and my tears," beautifully encapsulates the theme of God's personal and intimate involvement in every aspect of a believer's life. It's a powerful declaration of trust and reliance on divine Providence. **Common Tune:** This hymn, or selections from it, is most famously sung to the majestic tune **ST. ANNE** (also known as HANOVER or A.R.R.), composed by William Croft around 1708. **Legacy:** Watts' paraphrase of Psalm 139, including this famous stanza, remains a cornerstone of Christian hymnody. It expresses profound theological truths with poetic beauty, continuing to inspire and comfort worshippers centuries after its creation.