Leaning On the Everlasting Arms
Published in 1887 with
music by Anthony J. Showalter and
lyrics by Showalter and Elisha Hoffman Showalter wrote the refrain for this hymn after hearing the news that the wives of two of his former pupils had died and were buried the same day. He was inspired by Deuteronomy 33:27. In a letter of sympathy to his friends, Showalter Hoffman created the refrain, and asked Hoffman to write the stanzas: 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. 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. 
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