WOV #780, "What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms)"
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.
Leaning (Leaning on Jesus), leaning (leaning on Jesus),
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning (leaning on Jesus), leaning (leaning on Jesus),
leaning on the everlasting arms.
2 Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning (Leaning on Jesus), leaning (leaning on Jesus),
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning (leaning on Jesus), leaning (leaning on Jesus),
leaning on the everlasting arms.
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.
Leaning (Leaning on Jesus), leaning (leaning on Jesus),
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning (leaning on Jesus), leaning (leaning on Jesus),
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Devotion
My classical music training, with a heavy emphasis on the riches of the German Reformation chorales, has biased me against the simpler Gospel songs of my Norwegian pietistic roots. Yet this song speaks to me, particularly as I reflect on Psalm 71:6.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine ...
"Rejoice in the Lord always ..." (Philippians 4:4a)
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine ...
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
"Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you." (Psalm 71:6)
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way ...
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day ...
"I am the light of the world." (John 8:12)
What have I to dread, what have I to fear ...
"Do not be afraid of them for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD." (Jeremiah 1:8)
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near ...
"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)
Prayer
Help me to surrender myself, O Lord, into the tender arms of your mercy. Amen.