Robert Anderson, He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear | Music Lifts

In the seventh edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by gospel music legend Robert Anderson performing, “He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column highlighting songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs exuding fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the seventh edition of Music Lifts (2025), we highlight “He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear” as performed by Robert Anderson.

“We are our heavenly Father’s children / And we all know that He loves us one and all.” In 1994, Gaither recorded a once-in-a-lifetime concert entitled Gospel Pioneer Reunion!.  This live performance featured some of gospel music’s greatest, legendary voices.  Many of the artists that were in that room have since passed on.  Gospel Pioneer Reunion (Live) was officially released as an album and DVD in 2016.  One of the legendary musicians that graced Gospel Pioneer Reunion (Live) was Mississippi-born, Chicago-bred singer and composer Robert Anderson (1919 – 1995).  The refined baritone and pianist covers a beloved Roberta Martin classic, “He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear”.

“If we are willing, He will teach us / His voice only to obey no matter where,” Anderson sings in the memorable, prudent first verse, concluding, “And He knows Yes, He knows / Just how much we can bear.” Hallelujah! Anderson delivers robust, solid vocals. Never a flashy performer, Robert moves us with his remarkable tone.  As the song progresses, he ‘ups the ante’ with soulful ad-libs.  “There is a God who rules earth and heav’n / In Him there’s relief from every pain or care…” Indeed – say that! Anderson is supported by an anointed musical backdrop consisting of piano, organ, and the background vocals of some of gospel’s greatest.  At the end of this uplifting gem, Robert is playful and dramatic.  Though the song is old, and Anderson was near the end of his life when he recorded it, the words and this performance still resonate north of 30 years later.  “He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear” is powerful!

Gaither / Various Artists // Gospel Pioneer Reunion (Live) // Spring House Music Group // 2016

Robert Anderson, He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear: Music Lifts No. 7 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Spring House Music Group; BD Jewel, Dave H, Jean-Daniel Francoeur, Joshua Brown, Vansh Mehta from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]