Hymn Highlight: God Moves in a Mysterious Way
William Cowper (1731-1800) is one of the most well-known early Romantic poets and hymn-writers. Cowper was set to become an attorney, but never actually practiced law, as he suffered from chronic and deep depression. Throughout his life, Cowper struggled with the assurance of his salvation and the doctrine of reprobation, no doubt spurred on by his depression. However, for his last twenty or so years, Cowper lived in Olney, working closely with John Newton (author of Amazing Grace), and authored with Newton the now famous Olney Hymns.
Cowper’s most popular hymn is certainly God Moves in a Mysterious Way. This great hymn was written after Cowper attempted suicide in 1773. In the deep and stirring lyrics of God Moves in a Mysterious Way, you can almost feel Cowper’s broken heart crying out for the darkness of his depression to flee. This great hymn is a song for those who are fearful, dreading the next day. This hymn can be a sweet and soothing balm, reminding the broken saint that God is sovereign, active, and working for his glory and our ultimate joy. That’s hard to remember in the throes of the dark night of the soul; if you’re there, maybe this song will be a comfort.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
The first verse simply reminds us that we are not God, and many times we cannot understand how he moves. It’s mysterious, but in the mystery of God movements, he’s performing wonders. He is far greater than our struggle, yet he knows us and makes himself known to us.
You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
In the second verse, the fearful Christian is reminded to take courage. Why? Because even though dreadful clouds are spinning overhead and no sun seems to ever break through, those very same clouds are full of mercy and blessings. We can be reminded of Genesis 50:20, when Joseph confronts his brothers after a lifetime of bubbling fear and dread: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” We can turn to Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” or Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Even when the dark clouds swirl and rise and never seem to break, God knows the end and all things are working together for good.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev’ry hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
The third verse is just as rich. When our lives or seasons are characterized by heartbreak and depression, we can lash out at the Lord. In this, we are unjust toward him. Rather, these seasons are great for trusting him more and more. Cowper writes, “Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” May our seasons of darkness be marked by an increased faith and trust in God’s providence. Our situations might seem bleak and despondent, but God’s face is shining upon us if we are in Christ. He knows the road, even its dangerous curves and valleys.
Finally, the fourth verse offers forth this conclusion:
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
If our dark seasons push us to unbelief, we will deny God’s providence over our lives. We’ll get lost amongst the trees, give up hope, and never see the beautiful forest that God has created out of our messy lives. But, the Christian presses on. We must trust God’s providence. Even when the tears blur our vision, God has seen and prepared the path so that we can walk straight. He will wipe our eyes and make plain why we needed to go through that pain, that depression, that darkness. Farther along in life, we’ll know all about it, and we’ll understand why God moves in mysterious ways.
Believer, if you’re in a season of depression, if you’re struggling with the same things Cowper struggled with, I want you to understand a few things:
1) God is moving in mysterious ways. You might not see it now, but God will make it plain one day. You might have to wait until heaven to know, but for now, know that he is working all things for good, even those ugly and evil things.
2) You’re not alone. God has given Christians community here on earth. We don’t have to bear the weight of our burdens alone. God has given us local churches to bear burdens and bind broken hearts. Reach out to someone. Don’t struggle alone.
3) We’re all pressing on to a great hope. In the end, every sad thing will come untrue and every tear will be wiped. Press on, Christian, for our God works in mysterious ways.