God Works In Mysterious Ways

One Minute With Marlin

If you are like me (and I would guess you are), then there are times when you wonder about life. I’m not talking about emergencies or more drawn-out times of desperation. I’m talking about the times you look ahead at upcoming projects with uncertainty. Maybe you connect the dots from days gone by and marvel at how things were woven together, or how, at times, they didn’t seem to be. Your family member passed on to the next life, or maybe a son’s accident left irreparable damage. In those times, answers that make sense can be hard to come by. 

I came across a hymn written by William Cowper in 1779 titled “God Works In Mysterious Ways.” He published it alongside John Newton, who wrote “Amazing Grace,” and many others. Its simplicity and depth of meaning are beautiful. 

Portrait of William Cowper by Lemuel Francis Abbott

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.

~~~

As always, may you find joy in the simple things.

~~~

Marlin Miller is the publisher of Plain Values magazine