During the late 1800’s it was not uncommon for music teachers to travel about the rural areas of country, teaching music, often in churches. One such teacher was Professor Anthony Showalter. In 1887, Showalter, after teaching a music school in Alabama, went to his boarding house to rest. There, waiting for him, were two letters from former music students in South Carolina. Oddly, both letters informed him that the wives of both students had died. Seeking consolation in scripture to use in replying to both men, Showalter turned to Deuteronomy 33:27 … “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Since these students knew music, Showalter composed a short chorus to send them… “Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms. Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” Later, Showalter sent the refrain to a colleague, Rev. Elisha Hoffman, who wrote the rest of the lyrics. Showalter then finished the music – resulting in this hymn becoming a favorite with Christian congregations across America. It has been recorded over the years by many artists, including George Jones, the Gaithers, and most recently, Alan Jackson.
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!
Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
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!
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.
One of the ways we stay close to God is through the simple hymns of our faith that somehow convey our deepest beliefs. This is one of those hymns – it speaks of peace, security, and strength from God when facing fears. We are strongest when we are leaning – leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus, our Lord. Thanks be to God!
Shalom (God’s Peace)
Pastor Bruce
