Sunday, May 10, 2009

Hymn of the Week: God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Yesterday I was reading a little bit about the providence of God (Not by Chance, by Layton Talbert) and was reminded yet again that God is in control. I was also reminded that God is in control whether I understand His plan or not. I frequently do not.

Therefore, I began searching for a hymn on the providence of God and encountered this one by William Cowper (1731-1800). [Cowper's most well-known hymn is probably There is a Fountain Filled With Blood, a beautiful hymn about Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross.]

God's ways are often mysterious—to us. This hymn reminds us, in beautiful poetic detail, how God knows what we do not, and that His plans are infinitely better than our own. There is no reason to fret or fear; God is in control.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

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.

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