SOMETHING TO LEAN ON –

The compilers of the Psalter now select a psalm for the Songs of Ascent that speak of being able to get through periods of persecution, trial, and testing. The pilgrim journey was never guaranteed to be free of narrow passages, rocky cliffs, long and desolate roads through dangerous territory. But rather than letting this discourage them and cause them to turn back, they persevered and dealt with each crisis as it came along, making them ripe for celebration when they finally crossed the finish line; finally arriving into the presence of the One True God where they would be safe and secure.

“Listen, were it not for the LORD Eternal being on our side; let all believers repeat these words: were it not for the LORD Eternal being on our side, when sinners persecuted us they would have done away with us because they were so angry with us. It would have been like a raging torrent engulfing us and sweeping us away in a flash flood; yes, we would have been caught in a flash flood. Therefore, let’s give the LORD Eternal credit for not throwing us to them like scraps of food. Instead, we were able to escape with our lives, much like a bird caught in a net is able to escape when the net breaks. There’s no doubt now that we owe our freedom to the LORD Eternal being who He is, the Creator of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:1-8

Reflection: In the 1943 movie titled, “The Human Comedy,” nominated for Oscars at the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Story, Mickey Rooney stars in the role of a teenage telegram delivery boy who brings notices from the War Department to families about their lost or injured servicemen, along with Van Johnson who plays a soldier. In one scene on a troop train, with Van Johnson playing a small accordion, the men are encouraged to sing a hymn written in 1887 by a Presbyterian minister named Elisha Hoffman. The second stanza goes like this: “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.” Like the psalmist, those who receive word that their loved ones escaped the perils of war, thank God that He was there with His safe and everlasting arms. One day in heaven, when the books are opened to reveal all the secrets since creation, the millions gathered there will hear about miracle after miracle brought about by God’s intervention at the right place and the right time for every pilgrim along their journey to that heavenly Promised Land. So why not join those soldiers now and sing the third stanza of Hoffman’s hymn: “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. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” Leaning on God’s arm is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a strong indication of complete trust.