behind a frowning providence
william cowper is one of my favorite hymnwriters. he penned the words (i’m quoting from memory here–so forgive me if I’ve put the stanzas inthe wrong order):
God moves in a mystrious 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.
His purposes shall ripen fast, unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace.
Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain.
God is His own interpreter and He will make it plain.
i think this was one of the first hymns i learned by heart. (”a mighty fortress” probably wins the prize for the very first). i never meant to memorize them, but it just happened. i used to love to request this one in church when we had “favorites night. ” at the time of my putting these words in my head for good, i’m sure i had little idea of their meaning. in fact, i remember just liking the way “unfathomable” ran over my tongue, sometimes tripping a bit before catching up to “mines.” and i liked the tune we sang it to, and tried to learn to play it on the piano as soon as i could.
but now, the reasons i love it go deeper. by no means has my life been a difficult one. sure, i’ve had the occasional sad breakup, the loss of a close relative, the tough decision to make, but i’ve never struggled the way william cowper did–battling depression his entire life yet clinging ever so tightly to the truth of grace. still, i’ve see God’s hand of guidance, moving me from place to place, putting people in my life to challenge and grow me.
providence is a strange thing. it is comforting in difficulty, to know that He is in control and is working all to His glory. i get frustrated by it as well, wanting to be in the seat of power, wrestling against the place God has given me. then lines like “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace” come to me and i am reminded of His goodness and love in every situation, whether i feel happy or not.
April 10th, 2004 at 12:24 am
i love william cowper’s hymn’s… there is a fountain and o for a closer walk with god (which i think i played when you were at my church) are just beautifully written. his words get to me every time.