Leaning On the Everlasting Arms

Recently I went for a walk with my husband. We’d agreed that I would only walk a short way and he would walk further. I’ve been unwell with a virus for some time, and on that day I wasn’t doing so well. As we walked I was leaning on his arm. When the time came for me to walk back, I let go of his arm, and suddenly realised what a support that had been to me.

I turned and walked the short way back to the Centre building. As I turned I thought, ‘I can do this on my own,’ but I had to muster up the strength and determination. As I did I realised that that is what we’re like with the Lord.

We can do it on our own. We can be independent, choosing to walk along in our own strength, and make our own way somewhere - but leaning on the Lord is so much better. It’s safer; we’re using His strength not out own. We’re steadier, and we know that we’re walking His safe path. How much more pleasant with His companionship and enabling! There’s an old hymn which talks about this:

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.

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.

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.

Elisha A. Hoffman

So, do you want to walk today leaning on the everlasting arms, or do you want to do it alone and show God what you’re made of? The Lord knows what we’re made of, of course, and He invites us to walk today leaning on His everlasting arms. What a relief. We don’t have to do it on our own; we’re invited to lean on Him.

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank You for Your strong, powerful, everlasting arms. Please forgive me for the times when I try to do things in my own strength. I know that leaning on You is best, and so today I choose to go to You for help and to lean on You. Amen.