Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Elisha A. Hoffman
Introduction:
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” is a hymn of absolute trust and
spiritual security. Written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1887 and based on
the promise found in Deuteronomy 33:27—“The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms”—this hymn gives voice to the
peace and joy that come when we surrender our fears and rest completely
in God.
For the Christian,
“leaning” is not a sign of weakness—it is a declaration of confidence.
We lean not on man, not on circumstances, not on our own strength—but on
the strong, unchanging arms of our Creator. In times of sorrow, trial,
or temptation, those arms hold us up. And in every moment of life,
whether joyful or sorrowful, we are safe when we are leaning on Him.
This hymn walks us
through the blessings of trusting God daily. It is not a passive faith,
but a life of surrender that brings peace, protection, and joy. Let us
now reflect on each stanza and rediscover what it means to truly lean on
the everlasting arms.
Stanza 1: “What
a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms...”
This opening line emphasizes relationship and delight. Fellowship with
God is the foundation of our joy. 1 John 1:3 speaks of our fellowship
with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The closer we draw to Him,
the more joy we find—not the fleeting kind the world offers, but divine
joy rooted in communion with God.
When we “lean” on
the everlasting arms, we find rest. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28,
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.” We are not called to carry the burdens of life alone. God offers
fellowship and rest to all who will trust Him completely.
Stanza 2: “Oh,
how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting
arms...”
The Christian life is often described as a journey, a pilgrimage. Psalm
119:105 reminds us that God’s word lights our path. As we walk this
narrow way, we do not walk alone—we lean on God’s strength and guidance.
This stanza
emphasizes the sweetness of
the walk when we lean on the Lord. Even though the path may be
difficult, the presence of God makes it peaceful. Philippians 4:7
describes the “peace of God which surpasses all understanding” guarding
our hearts and minds. That peace is found in leaning—not in striving on
our own, but in daily trust and prayerful dependence.
Stanza 3: “What
have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting
arms...”
This stanza is a bold declaration of fearless living. Romans 8:31 asks,
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Fear loses its power when we
realize who holds us. The everlasting arms never fail. They never
weaken. They never let go.
When we lean on the
Lord, we have nothing to dread—not trials, not persecution, not even
death. Hebrews 13:6 says, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What
can man do to me?” This stanza invites us to trust with courage, knowing
that God will uphold us until the very end.
Chorus:
“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms...”
The chorus is a triumphant echo of assurance. To be “safe and secure
from all alarms” means we rest in God’s protection. It does not mean we
will never suffer, but that our souls are safe in Him. John 10:28
affirms that no one can snatch us from the Father’s hand.
We lean on His
promises, His presence, and His power. And when we lean on Him, we find
what the world can never give—security, peace, and unshakable hope.
Leaning on the
Everlasting Arms Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: Fellowship and Rest in God
-
Fellowship with
the Father and Son: 1 John 1:3
-
Joy found in
communion with God
-
Rest through
Christ: Matthew 11:28
Stanza 2: The
Sweetness of the Pilgrim Walk
-
Walking by faith
and not by sight: 2 Corinthians 5:7
-
God's Word
lights our path: Psalm 119:105
-
Peace in the
journey: Philippians 4:7
Stanza 3:
Freedom from Fear
-
God’s strength
removes dread: Romans 8:31
-
The Lord is our
helper: Hebrews 13:6
-
Everlasting arms
never fail
Chorus: Secure
in God’s Embrace
-
Safety in the
Father’s hand: John 10:28
-
Leaning on
unchanging promises
-
Secure from
every spiritual alarm
Call to Action:
Are you leaning on the everlasting arms, or are you leaning on your own
understanding? The arms of God are wide open—strong enough to carry you,
steady enough to hold you through every storm. If you have not yet come
to Him in obedient faith—believing, repenting, confessing, and being
baptized—then you are leaning on something that cannot save you. Turn to
Him now, and you will find safety, rest, and peace that lasts forever.
Scripture
Reference List:
Deuteronomy 33:27 – Underneath are the everlasting arms
1 John 1:3 – Fellowship with the Father and Son
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me and I will give you rest”
Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word is a lamp to our feet
Philippians 4:7 – Peace that surpasses understanding
Romans 8:31 – If God is for us, who can be against us
Hebrews 13:6 – The Lord is my helper; I will not fear
John 10:28 – No one can snatch them out of My hand
2 Corinthians 5:7 – Walk by faith, not by sight
Song Author
Credit:
The lyrics of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” were written by
Elisha A. Hoffman
(1839–1929), with music composed by Anthony J. Showalter (1858–1924).
Showalter was inspired by Deuteronomy 33:27 while writing letters of
comfort to friends who had lost loved ones. Hoffman contributed the
verses, and the hymn was published in 1887.
Song History:
Originally written as a message of consolation in grief, “Leaning on the
Everlasting Arms” became a beloved hymn of assurance and faith. Its
biblical imagery and gentle melody made it widely popular in gospel
meetings and worship among churches of Christ. It continues to offer
comfort and courage to those who trust in God’s unchanging support.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
