By William Cowper

1

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

2

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs,

And works his sov’reign will.

3

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

4

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust him for his grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

5

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding ev’ry hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flow’r.

6

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan his work in vain;

God is his own interpreter,

And he will make it plain.

• Religion

Poet Bio

The life of William Cowper was defined by extended periods of depression and spiritual agony. At age twenty-three, after leaving school, Cowper began to study law, but stopped because of severe depression. He recovered, but soon relapsed, and was hospitalized; while in the asylum he converted to Evangelicalism. Once released, he lived with a reverend and his wife. After the reverend’s death, Cowper became engaged to the wife, with whom he lived for twenty-three years, until her death. In “Light Shining Out of Darkness,” Cowper explores the relationship between God and the world and how to react to God’s unfathomable power.

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