What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 774)
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.
Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning,
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. [Refrain]
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. [Refrain]
Text: Elisha A. Hoffman; Music: Anthony J. Showalter; Public Domain
Devotion
“What have I to dread, what have I to fear…
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near.”
This simple hymn reminds us that we have nothing to fear or dread. Blessedness and peace are ours. We have God to lean on—a God who has given so much and promises still more. God offers God’s arms to escort us to God’s lavish banquet, to verdant pastures, to safety, to live in God’s reign now. What a fellowship, what a joy divine!
I commend this hymn to you as a prayer with your daily devotions. For me, it brings hope when I am uncertain. It reminds me that God is walking right beside me and, more often than not, holding me up! This little hymn brings joy and assurance to my days, and I pray it will for you.
Prayer
Loving God, joy, peace, and hope are such fleeting things in these days. We pray for you to open our hearts so that we can experience these gifts that you are so eager to give to us. Thank you for inviting us into your divine fellowship. Amen.