Where are your thoughts drawn to during the Sending song “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms?” If you’re like me, you probably feel the upbeat rhythm, and the catchy tune sweeps you into a care-free and relaxed feeling of safety and security in God’s everlasting arms.
But it’s worth knowing that the song actually has a more somber and thought-provoking origin since it was born out of loss and grief.
The death of the wives of two of Anthony. J. Showalter’s former music students prompted him to write a letter of consolation to the bereaved students. In the letter, Showalter quoted Deuteronomy 33:27: “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Surprisingly, before the letter was completed, Showalter had completed lyrics for a new hymn, designed to use the phrase “leaning on the everlasting arms” to be repeated throughout the song to emphasize the comforting, encouraging message.
The new hymn was published collaboratively with Elisha A. Hoffman in 1887 and quickly became a standard in many churches for its hopeful message and singable tune that you may find yourself humming throughout your week when you need those everlasting arms to keep you safe and secure from all alarms.
by Becky Solomon for September27, 2026