“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” -Hebrews 10:24-25
Elisha Hoffman served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War. There has never been a more divided time in our country’s history than during the Civil War. During that terrible war, more than 2.75 million Americans took up arms to fight. They fought over slavery, the hope of a unified country, and whether or not our country could live up to the ideal, “That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The war was so brutal that over 620,000 soldiers were killed, many dying of complications from their wounds or disease. It remains one of the most brutal and costly wars in American history.
Seeing the death, disease, and destruction of the war took a significant toll on the country. Those who fought and lived experienced the long-term suffering that war often brings. Alcoholism rose significantly across the country. Families were left without husbands, fathers, and sons. Entire communities had disappeared. Poverty was high. The years following the Civil War were difficult for our country.
In these difficult years, Elisha Hoffman turned to his faith in God for support. It was in these post-war years that Elisha looked to Jesus and the followers of Jesus to find strength and support. Later, Elisha would use his beautiful gifts of writing and music to support the church and worship God. Realizing how important the love of God and the support of the family of faith is, Elisha wrote;
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.
I am reminded of how we endure hardships and accomplish great things as a people of faith. We lean on the fellowship of God and God’s people. We find rest and peace when we draw close to God. We find strength and renewal through God’s love. I am so thankful for the church and the faithful people I have met in my faith journey. I want to encourage us to give thanks as we continue to lean on God and God’s family of faith. In leaning on God and our family of faith, we truly find the “Joy divine.”
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
