Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
–Deuteronomy 33:27
I know it is still there—page 276 in the old Broadman hymnal—that old classic hymn “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.
Leaning on Jesus . . . Leaning on Jesus,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning on Jesus . . . Leaning on Jesus,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
As we’d get to the chorus and the ladies would drag out “Leannnnnnnnnng,” I’d hear my dad’s bass voice echoing out “Leaning on Jesus.”
When I hear this song, I still think of Rob Lindsey. “Uncle Rob” was to me the representative of the pioneer Dry Creek that I’ve always been fascinated with. Born in 1887, he was 89 when he died in 1976.
…And Leaning on the Everlasting Arms was his favorite song. Anytime we had fifth Sunday singing or any opportunity for a request, he would say, “Sing 276—Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” As a boy, I would watch him as we sang his favorite. On the chorus when we’d get to the “Leaning . . . Leaning . . .” part, he would close his eyes and sing from his heart. I pictured in my mind the struggles, trials, and tribulations he had probably been through in his long life. As we sang and I watched him, I was sure I could lean on Jesus, too.
Even today when we sing that old song, I still think of him. In my mind I still see him, eyes closed, maybe a tear in his eye as he slowly rocks back and forth singing,
What have I to dread what have to fear?
Leaning on the everlasting arms
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near
Leaning on the everlasting arms
Leaning…………………
Leaning…………………
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning ………………..
Leaning………………….
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Like Uncle Rob, I’ve found that those everlasting arms of Jesus are strong and will hold us regardless of our circumstances.
