Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
87Resource Type:
Keys included:
G
About this Hymn
William Cowper's life was mired in depression. One time he ordered a coach to take him to the Tower wharf, "intending to throw myself into the river from the Custom House quay. . . . But upon coming to the quay, I found the water low, and a porter seated upon some goods there, as if on purpose to prevent me." He later marveled at his preservation: "How mysterious are the ways of Providence! Why did I receive grace and mercy?" Some things we might never know on this side of heaven, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord" (Isa. 55:8). The hymn illustrates the power of stunning, poetic hymn lyrics, ones quoted in movies, books, and daily conversation—though, sadly, rarely sung in churches today.
Lyrics
Verse 1
God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.
Verse 2
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sov'reign will.
Verse 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.
Verse 4
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face.
Verse 5
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding ev'ry hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow'r.
Verse 6
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.
God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.
Verse 2
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sov'reign will.
Verse 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.
Verse 4
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face.
Verse 5
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding ev'ry hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow'r.
Verse 6
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: William Cowper, 1773
Music: Hugh Wilson, 1825; harm. William H. Doane, 1870, alt.
Music: Hugh Wilson, 1825; harm. William H. Doane, 1870, alt.