Take Courage Saints

William Cowper (1731-1800)

Once upon a time, in an English church pastored by the hymn writer John Newton (Amazing Grace), sat a parishioner of his called William Cowper, another man of extraordinary poetry and hymn writing ability, which considering his bouts of severe debilitating depression and breakdown is all the more remarkable.

One day he wrote Light Shining Out of Darkness, and the words read like a prayer but I think can be sung to the tune of Amazing Grace.  Try it I think it works…. or maybe it works best if you wear a wig like his too…..

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,
With 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.

Amen to that.