Today in Christian Music History: William McDowell Released “Withholding Nothing” 13 Years Ago

On November 5, 2013, William McDowell released Withholding Nothing, a live worship album centred on surrender, thanksgiving and dependence on God. Thirteen years later, its anniversary offers an opportunity to revisit a project that brought these themes together through songs, prayer and congregational worship.

Released through Delivery Room Music and eOne Music, the CD/DVD followed McDowell's earlier projects As We Worship and Arise. By then, listeners knew him through songs such as "I Give Myself Away" and "I Won't Go Back." Withholding Nothing continued his emphasis on giving one's life to God, with a recording that allowed room for extended and spontaneous moments of worship. Approximately 2,000 worshippers participated in the live gathering.

The title itself expresses the album's central challenge. Surrender involves more than singing words of devotion. It means bringing personal ambitions, fears and decisions before God. "Withholding nothing" becomes a prayer about the parts of life that can be hardest to entrust to him.

Across its 14 audio tracks, the album includes "Expecting," "We Will Prevail," "Sovereign God" and "Can't Live Without You." Guest vocalists include Danny Gokey, Aaron Lindsey and Nicole Binion, while the music draws on gospel, soul and contemporary worship. The extended "Withholding Nothing Medley" gives the closing portion of the album space to develop its message of surrender.

The project also received significant recognition. Following its release, Withholding Nothing debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel albums chart. It subsequently earned McDowell a nomination for Best Gospel Album at the 2015 Grammy Awards, his first Grammy nomination.

Reflecting on his approach at the time of release, McDowell explained that preparation and rehearsal served a gathering whose focus remained on God. "We rehearsed, we prepared, but in the end, the Holy Spirit led the evening," he said.

On its 13th anniversary, Withholding Nothing invites a fresh hearing of that simple but demanding prayer: to offer God every part of one's life.