God Moves in a Mysterious Way

I found the words to "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" in the hymn book last Sunday and wanted to share them. The hymn was written by William Cowper, a contemporary of John Newton, and is believed to be his last hymn. The exact details behind its writing are a bit sketchy, but it is said that Cowper penned it after attempting to commit suicide by drowning himself in the Thames. According to the legend, Cowper hired a cabbie to take him to the river and the cabbie got lost, either accidentally or on purpose. When the cabbie dropped Cowper off, it was back in front of his own door.* Even though Cowper faced dark depression during his life and strongly doubted his own salvation, these words reveal his deep trust in God's sovereign providence.

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.

- William Cowper

If you would like to hear these words put to music, hope on over to YouTube, or your favorite hymnal. The words fit with several different tunes, but two of the best are the tunes to the hymns "O God Our Help in Ages Past," and "In Christ There is No East or West."

*cyberhymnal.org