Hymn Stories: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

 

Hymn Stories: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
 
(Sam Stack) In looking for a hymn for this month’s hymn story, I looked back over my older hymn story articles.  This hymn speaks great truths, especially in times of sorrow and uncertainty.  As we look forward to this coming year, let us remember the truths of this great hymn.
 
One afternoon in 1887, music teacher A. J. Showalter dismissed his class and returned home.  There he found letters from two former students, each with similar stories.  Both students had lost their wives and both wives had died on the same day.  He began writing letters of sympathy to the students using scripture from Deuteronomy, having the assurance that God’s ‘everlasting arms’ will always support us.
 
Then he wrote another letter to hymnwriter Elisha Hoffman, suggesting that he write a hymn based on this scripture.  He even suggested words to a possible chorus.
Hoffman wrote back the words to this song which Showalter then set to music.
 
With God’s arms beneath us, and His love surrounding us, we can find strength in even the most troubling of times.
 
Deuteronomy 33:26-27 says: “There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.” 
 
Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
 
Verse 1
What a fellowship what a joy divine
Leaning on the everlasting arms
What a blessedness what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms
 
Verse 2
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way
Leaning on the everlasting arms
O how bright the path grows from day to day
Leaning on the everlasting arms
 
Verse 3
What have I to dread what have I to fear
Leaning on the everlasting arms
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms
 
Chorus
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Leaning (leaning on Jesus)
Leaning on the everlasting arms
 
Sam Stack, Associational Music Director