Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
History
In the mid-1880s, Professor Anthony J. Showalter was a music teacher who spent time traveling and teaching music across much of rural America. After one particular class, he returned to his home to find two letters from former students. Though the letters were different and came from different students, the words were haunted by the same message: the wife of each student had died, and they were buried on the same day.
Stricken with grief, Showalter took to his pen in order to try and write some sort of consolation letter. How do you console someone in the face of such a painful tragedy? Where can you find the grace of God in moments like that?
Showalter was led to the end of Deuteronomy where Moses delivers one final blessing for Israel before ascending Mount Nebo to gaze upon the Promised Land before his death. The verse that Showalter would lean on was 33:27, "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
Knowing these former pupils of his would appreciate a musical response, he composed a single refrain, what we know as the refrain for this very song. He later wrote to friend and colleague, Elisha Hoffman, and asked him to write the stanzas for his refrain. Hoffman, a writer and hymnist himself, was thrilled at the opportunity. He sent the completed song back to Showalter without hesitation, and once Showalter composed the tune, the finished hymn was born.
In the years since this hymn was published, many versions and interpretations have been released, from up-tempo jazz arrangements to contemplative country and western, such as the heavily-inspired soundtrack from 2010’s True Grit, this hymn has not only stood the test of time, it has become a beloved reminder of the Father’s faithfulness and peace found in His everlasting arms.
Devotion
A recurring theme through this hymn is the idea of peace through the grace and refuge of God. Back in Deuteronomy, when Moses extended one last blessing to Israel, the wandering nation of God’s people had seen and been through a lot.
After their own stark disobedience led to their wandering for 40 years in the desert, the Lord still provided a home and place of refuge for them. Though they didn’t deserve it, God provided for their every need and their safety throughout their wandering.
As they stood on the precipice of their next journey, they were understandably anxious about what might happen next for them. Would they find a way in this new land? Would they be safe?
Moses reminded the people that their true dwelling wasn’t anywhere here on Earth, but their dwelling place was with God. That means that whether in peace or in storm, what happens to us here ultimately doesn't matter: because we are in Him. Just as Paul encouraged the Philippian church: "to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
It's no wonder that Showalter landed on this blessing from Moses as a way to encourage his former students. The meaning is sweet in its simplicity: though troubles will come and life can be dark, as long as we are in him, our dwelling place is so much brighter than anything this world can offer. And that means that in the grace of the Father’s everlasting arms, we can find joy, peace, and nearness to Him.
Related Scripture
Deuteronomy 33:26-28; Psalm 31:19-20
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Lyrics
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.
