God Moves in Mysterious Ways
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.
Cowper struggled with depression and despair - and yet he wrote some of the most beautiful hymns we have. Piper's Hidden Smile of God outlines the lives of John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress), William Cowper (There is a Fountain), and David Brainerd (missionary to American Indians). It's good to read about those who fought the fight before us... all three of these men struggled in life for different reasons - but their one common bond was crying out to God in the midst of the pain - and being strengthened despite the otherwise seeming hopelessness.
If we don't remember that the Christian life isn't always rainbows and sunshine - it's easy to lose hope when things aren't going our way. Reading this was a good reminder that I'll see storms along the way - but not to lose hope in the storms; even the winds and waves obey His voice. Nothing can touch me that doesn't pass through His hand.
Thank You Lord for protecting me - even when I forget You are right by my side, and thank You for reminding me that You are.
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