44*. God Moves in a Mysterious Way

C.M.
by W. Cowper, 1779
1
God moves in a mysterious way,
 
His wonders to perform;
 
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
 
And rides upon the storm.
“And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)
“Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” (Psalm 77:19)
“Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 104:3)
2
Deep in unfathomable mines
 
Of never-failing skill,
 
He treasures up His bright designs,
 
And works His sovereign will.
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4:35)
3
[Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
 
The clouds ye so much dread
 
Are big with mercy, and shall break
 
In blessings on your head.
“And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26)
“The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (Nahum 1:3)
4
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
 
But trust Him for His grace:
 
Behind a frowning providence
 
He hides a smiling face.]
5
His purposes will ripen fast,
 
Unfolding every hour;
 
The bud may have a bitter taste,
 
But sweet will be the flower.
6
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
 
And scan His work in vain;
 
God is His own interpreter,
 
And He will make it plain.
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