Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

November 3, 2026

This hymn wasn't actually supposed to be today's post. I had opened to another random page and the hymn there has changed over time to the point that it no longer sounds like the original, so I abandoned it for now. I tried again, and was so excited to see this one! Not only can I sing along without accompaniment, but I bet you can, too! Even if you can, I've got a fabulous version curated for you below.

The text was composed by Elisha A. Hoffman, a Presbytarian minister who composed over 2,000 hymns, many of which were written in Cleveland, Ohio. It was set to music by Anthony J. Showalter. Anthony was a Presbytarian elder. This would be Anthony's most famous hymn.

This is the link to the sheet music, courtesy of michaelkravchuk.com.

This recording is by Backwoods Bluegrass Band. There were others, but I selected this one because it got the refrain right with the two different sets of lyrics. And it will definitely get your toes tapping!

Enjoy, and be blessed,

Wendy