25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
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.
Written by William Cowper, who was a man suffering from depression throughout his life. His mother died when he was six years old, and he suffered other calamities in his life as well. At one point in his life he determined to commit suicide but through God's hand on his life (fog, incompetent driver,or a knowing taxi driver depending on which story you believe) prevented him from doing so.
He frequently was a committed to an asylum for the insane, which proved to be a saving grace for him, introducing him to the things of the Lord. Two years after leaving the asylum he met John Newton. Together they worked, creating the Olney Hymn book, 68 which were of his creation, the rest of John Newton's.
Despite suffering from depression, he was a man convinced of God's sovereignty and grace, and this shines through in this hymn. When I sing this hymn it reminds me of just how good God is to me... even as I struggle in my relationship with him.. so often convinced that somehow I am deluding myself, WHILE knowing full well that God holds me close all the while.
THIS VERSE says it all don't you think?
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
God's blessings... pouring down on us.. despite our fear and worry. It's amazing and blows my mind time and time again. :)