God Moves In A Mysterious Way

William Cowper was only 6 years old when his mother passed away leaving her husband to raise their child. Cowper didn’t have a very good relationship with his father. He eventually became a lawyer but abandoned this career in his early 30s.

Throughout this time, Cowper struggled with depression. He attempted to take his life on several occasions but, in each attempt, the Lord preserved Cowper’s life. While in St. Albans Insane Asylum, Cowper came across a Bible on a bench in the garden and soon became a believer. Throughout his life, he remained convinced of God’s power and goodness even though there were times he questioned why God would bestow such great gifts to someone like himself.

Cowper began to write hymns and soon became best friends with John Newton. Newton observed how Cowper would become reclusive and prone to melancholy so he came up with an idea to create a book of hymns to be sung by their church. Together, they wrote over 270 hymns!

One of the hymns which Cowper penned reminds us about God’s goodness, power, and wisdom while reminding us to always trust Him. “His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.”

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 (KJV).