William Cowper was an influential English poet of the 19th century who began writing hymns at the behest of his friend and pastor John Newton (writer of Amazing Grace). He struggled with depression throughout his life, lapsing into periods of doubt and despair which can be seen in his poetry. Perhaps more than most, he knew and could articulate the struggle to trust God’s providence when facing trials and suffering in a beautiful and encouraging way. This hymn – one of the best English hymns ever written – is a wonderful example of this struggle. His description of trials as “clouds ye so much dread,” a “frowning providence,” and a bitter tasting bud” are transformed through a new perspective of God’s “bright designs” springing from his mysterious and wise ways. When viewed through the lens of God’s sovereign care, the clouds become rainclouds ready to shower blessings on us, the God’s smile looms larger than his apparent frowning providence, and the bud grows into a delicious flower. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “for those who love God all things work together for good.”
The original lyrics were preserved intact and a new chorus which shifts to first person and moves to our response of worship has been humbly added to this great hymn. May it direct your attention to God’s sovereign love, particularly in your times of struggle.
LyricsVerse 1:
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 sov'reign will.
Verse 2:
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.
Chorus:
You are mysterious,
Your ways are glorious,
Your wisdom marvelous
And wonderful to me.
So I will worship you
And you will make me new;
Your hand will guide me through
The dark into the light.
Verse 3:
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain:
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Original Hymn Text by William Cowper (1731-1800)
Chorus Text and Tune by David L. Ward
© 2024 HymnicityCCLI Song #7242121
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 sov'reign will.
Verse 2:
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.
Chorus:
You are mysterious,
Your ways are glorious,
Your wisdom marvelous
And wonderful to me.
So I will worship you
And you will make me new;
Your hand will guide me through
The dark into the light.
Verse 3:
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain:
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Chorus Text and Tune by David L. Ward
© 2024 Hymnicity