The opening hymn at church this morning is "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." It was written by Elisha Hoffman (1839-1929). After graduating from Union Seminary in Pennsylvania, he was ordained in 1868. He was appointed to be a circuit pastor in Napoleon, Ohio in 1878. A circuit pastor would go around to several churches in an assigned area and serve as their pastor. He also worked in the publishing department of the Evangelical Association in Cleveland for eleven years. He served in many chapels and churches in the Cleveland and Grafton areas in the 1880s. In his lifetime he wrote over 2,000 hymns including the words and music to "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" in 1894.
This hymn was inspired by Deuteronomy 33:27 -- "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." We should think about what it means to find refuge in our heavenly father's arms in times of fear and trial, and to allow His joy and peace to replace our loneliness and anxiety.
And here is your youtube movie of this wonderful hymn sung by Alan Jackson.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Kathy
Beautiful song! I like a lot of what Alan Jackson does. Looking forward to singing it!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, I love the old hymns. Blessings to you and Joe for a beautiful Sunday. xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful old hymn. I love Alan Jackson too. Thanks for the history behind the hymn. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteI love Alan Jackson's gospel CDs and have the one with this hymn in it. Love it! thanks for the history lesson on the author!
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