Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Truett Seminary at sunset

I was sitting outside in the ironically nicknamed "Inner Sanctum" courtyard at Truett this afternoon working on homework and trying to grab a few moments of quiet time before going home for the evening and quietly the chapel bell began to chime the hour. At first I paid little attention to this common occurrence but the I realized I was not hearing the normal chime. The bell tower was tolling the chorus from the old hymn " Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." This has been one of my favorite melodies for about as far back as I can remember. I recall sitting in the small rural church of my great-grandparents with the whole town (of 30 people in attendance). I would always joke with my great-grandad and "lean" on him whenever the chorus of the song came up. I felt safe in those times. I knew that I could lean on him to be there for me and that he would not let me fall. As I listened to the bell tolling today, I really began to ponder the words of the song, and listen to the message they proclaimed.

As the years have past there have been many people that I've leaned on. Mentors, teachers, fellow students and ministers have been a blessing to me and I could never repay the debt I owe them. Yet, they have all had one thing in common. At some point or another they have failed me. There came a point during which I could no longer lean upon them. At these times I felt alone, but I was not.Though all else failed God's presence remained.  I learned to lean on God and not in my own devices. It is all to easy to slip back into the old pattern and look first to a mentor or friend for advice, before seeking God's direction. Today was a welcome reminder to lean on God, and to seek him and his will before all else. I am safely nestled in the everlasting arms, and there I will remain.

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"

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.

Refrain

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