God Moves in Mysterious Ways

At age 32, William Cowper passed through a great crisis in his life. He tried to end his life by taking laudanum. Then he hired a horse-drawn cabbie, ordering the driver to take him to the Thames, intending to throw himself from the bridge. It was one of London’s foggiest nights. They drove for an hour without reaching the chosen spot. Disgusted, he decided to get out and walk there. He found to his surprise they had actually gone in a circle and he was back at his own doorstep!

The next morning, he fell upon a knife, but the blade broke and his life was spared. He then tried to hang himself, and was cut down unconscious but still alive.

Then one morning, in a moment of strange cheerfulness, he took up his Bible and read a verse in the Letter to the Romans. In a moment he received strength to believe, and rejoiced in the forgiving power of God. Sometime later, Cowper summed up his faith in God’s loving dealing with him in a great hymn which became a favorite among Christians:

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.