Ginger’s Note:

Occasionally I receive a note from an inspired reader and this is the case with this blog.  I love hearing from you, Ginger

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms was published in 1887 with music by Anthony J. Showalter and lyrics by Showalter and Elisha Hoffman.

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.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning,
leaning on the everlasting arms.

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.
(Refrain)

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.
(Refrain)

What a fellowship, what a joy divine indeed! My Lord’s arms are so strong and always “so near”.

I awoke early this morning and for some reason as I was making my coffee the words and melody of this hymn ran through my mind.  There was no particular reason.  I hadn’t yet had my coffee and my mind was idling.  I hadn’t yet thought about the things I wanted to accomplish for the day.  It was as if God came to me through this song and said “Wake Up.  I need to talk with you!”  And so I turned my attention to God, asked Him for His guidance for the day.  Although it wasn’t on my calendar He told me to describe in these notes how His presence gave me peace and how His birds’ singing added to my tranquility.  The birds (who’s screeching normally annoy me) seemed pleasing to me this morning, in His presence.

This time with God gave me relief from those concerns and worries that we all have.  He reminded me that we were doing OK financially and that prospects were improving for my business.  I told him of my love for Him and constant faith that He would lead me to do His will.

He also reminded me how fortunate I am to live a quiet but rewarding life with little conflict.  Whereas so many in our country are fighting natural disasters of fire and flood, I was safe in his loving arms.  He has given me good health and an interesting, rewarding life.  What else could I need?  He assured me that His arms were everlasting, always available for me to lean upon.

I encourage you to remember His everlasting arms and thank Him for always being “so near”.  Take time to listen to those random thoughts and hymns you learned long ago.  Take the time to listen when He says “Wake Up, I need to talk with you”.