william cowper

A dear friend recently shared the lyrics to this hymn and I thought I'd share them with you as well. As I was reading over them I decided to do a little research about the author and learned that ol' William:

• wrote/co-wrote 66+ hymns over his lifetime along with numerous poems
• lived most of his days in Norfolk, England
• studied to be a lawyer but never practiced law
• suffered from manic depression
• used his literary influence to support the anti-slavery movement in England
• he was close friends with John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace"
• "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" is the last hymn he wrote

"God Moves in a Mysterious Way", written by William Cowper in 1774.

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.