Monday, March 18, 2013

God's Mysterious Ways

The poem below is a favorite that I go to when things happen which I don't understand. Sometimes I'll include it in a sympathy card. It seems appropriate for today, so I hope it'll become one of your favorites, too.
As you consider it, why not add a comment about which lines caught your attention today.
ferree
LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS
by: William Cowper (1731-1800)
 
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.
 
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 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.

9 comments:

  1. Great post for today.

    Here is the section that stuck out for me.

    Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
    The clouds ye so much dread
    Are big with mercy, and shall break
    In blessings on your head.

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  2. When I think of widows and how our dread and anticipation of events like holidays and anniversaries is often so much worse than the actual day---maybe that's because those clouds do break with mercy! I love the wisdom and encouragement of this poem. Thanks Lorraine.

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  3. I love the words that Lorraine picked out. I also like "The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flow'r." I also like the part which says He rides upon the storm.

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  4. These lines are so rich and full of promise. More meaning is added to them when I see who they're chosen by because I know you and some of what you've been through. It's good to hear from you today Sharon.

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  5. What a beautiful poem!

    The title itself had already grabbed me before I was able to get to the poem...the title alone could very well be my life quote. ♥


    I could go through the whole poem but it all stands out for me. Many Bible versus ran through my mind as I read this.


    God has his plans for us; even if we don't understand what it is. We have to trust him. He will carry us through this storm and he will bless us more then we could have ever realized.

    God uses our weakness to give us strength..once we see that..we'll understand..

    Faith, Hope, Trust..put everything into God hands and believe..he will be your light out of the darkness. ♥

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  6. For me it's the last two lines - God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.

    And He will...........

    He is soveriegn and unchanging.

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  7. One of my favorites. I found it pretty early on in my journey. God is sovereign!

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  8. Ferree. Have been following your blog for several months but had to respond to this poem. My husband was also a minister and this was one of his favorite poems...heard him repeat it many times during his sermons. Your site has been such a blessing to me. I am 17 months out from the unexpected death of my husband at the age of 55. So very amazed at God's faithfulness through all the ups and downs of this journey. Just feel so amazingly blessed to have my confidence in Him and not myself. Blessing on you and what you are doing to help all of us.
    Faith Trent

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  9. It's a privilege to hear from each of you and how the Lord is at work in your lives. Faith, how good to know of your husband and his love for this poem as a pastor. I'm so glad to "meet" you and to hear how you've been following along several months now. And I'm so sorry for your loss.When we've grown to be 'one' with our husband, its a shock and a journey to learn this new life, but like Kelly and Sparrow said, God is sovereign. We rest in his faithfulness and he sustains us. Cathy, this poem brings so many Scriptures to my mind too. Its saturated with rich theology and God has given you so much understanding. Love to each of you.

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