“Lean on the Lord,” performed here by Housefires, Ryan Ellis, and Cecily reminds listeners to forget pride and confidence solely and wrongly placed within. Instead, believers are encouraged to put their trust in the Lord. He provides the strength needed to go on in tough times.
Four lines from the chorus, go as follows:
But one thing's for sure
When I lean on You, Lord
Lean on You, Lord
Somehow Your love gives me the strength to go on
Every singer and musician gathered in that space to sing the stirring song has experienced pain; none among us escape it. But, given the enthusiasm and feeling they demonstrate, they’ve learned that the sacred secret to surviving hard times and the evil in our world comes from Him!
Ryan Ellis and Cecily are two of the writers of the song; Mitch Wong partnered with them in writing the worship number as well. It was first released by Ryan Ellis on June 3, 2022. Ryan, with blond dyed hair and a cream-colored, long-sleeved sweater, sings first. He holds a guitar. Cecily joins in; she’s wearing a stocking cap and a denim jacket. Smiling faces fill the room.
With each passing note, the song becomes stronger and more impactful as the combined voices and musical gifts of believing singers, pianists, drummers, and guitarists together praise Him!
Scattered about are the members of Housefires, which is a Christian group that began at Grace Midtown Church in Atlanta, Georgia in 2014. The group states on the Worship Together website that, “Housefires is a communal worship expression based out of Atlanta, Georgia with equal desire to elevate the songs that are sung in ordinary houses and write anthems for the gathered church worldwide.”
At 4:50, another singer jumps in with the words “No other have I known.” She repeats the phrase several times. There is nothing particularly rehearsed or formal here. The artists are dressed in flannel shirts and jeans and other casual attire. Instead of formality, the entire “performance,” which really isn’t one, is genuine and heart-felt and moving.
Fellowship and worship, community with believers—we all need those on the dark days!
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalms 100:2
