2.26.2014

Hymnody

God Moves in a Mysterious Way by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

2 comments:

  1. Have you ever read about his life? William Cowper? I think it was him (I might be mistaken now) but he was super depressed person but would have periods of hope and clarity. His friend, John Newton (author of Amazing Grace hymn) became his one and only friend. William Cowper is hands down, my favorite poet but not because his poetry is better than anyone else's but because of the struggle it took him to write. I can so relate to him. I write my best poetry in the struggle and I think he did as well. Some of his poetry is very weird, but a lot of it like the one you posted here is just plain beautiful.

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    1. i know a bit about him, and his stuggle with depression is amazing. Knowing that, it makes his poetry so... real. There IS hope in the struggle. His pain comes through, but he is like the psalmists of old in many ways: admitting the pain and toil, but turning to the Truth of Who God is. leaves me breathless in wonder. beauty from the ashes.

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