Which line speaks most to your outlook and situation? You're welcome to share your thoughts--please click the comment line at the bottom of this entry and mention the part of the poem that caught your attention. Your words will help others know they are not alone, and might be just the right hope and lifeline they need for today.
♥ ferree
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| Rembrandt - Christ in the storm on the Sea of Galilee |
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.
Can't pick one line. The who poem applies to me. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThe clouds ye so much dread
ReplyDeleteAre big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
These verses reminded me of a personal word our pastor gave to Tim & me many years ago. He said that when we were surrounded by clouds, don't fear because it was just the dust from Jesus' feet as He goes ahead of us to prepare the way. I needed to be reminded of this today because I have been struggling with many things that my dear husband is no longer here to take care of for me. God is my husband now & He WILL provide all my needs! Amen, thank you Jesus!!
First of all have to comment on the painting by Rembrandt, it is one of the few seacapes ngs he did. It is one of the paintings that was stolen from the Isabella Gardner museum 20+ years ago. I was fortunate enough to have seen it shortly before the theft occurred.
ReplyDeleteWhat really strikes me about Cowper's poem, is that God's ways are many times hidden from us, and we do not understand them, but still we must have faith because he will bring about his intended purposes. Not always easy to do, life is so often made up of heartbreaking events, and that can be so hard to try and deal with.
But as difficult as it is to keep faith that the Lord will bring good out of life's circumstances, I think is impossible to live this life without a belief and trust in him.
Linda Josephson
I love this hymn! We sang it often at my previous church, and the ministers loved to quote from it. I particularly love the last verse. God's ways are so much higher than ours. We can't fathom His wisdom and knowledge and love for us. And I wouldn't want to! I want a God who is bigger than I am! The last verse is comforting to me, because I know I can trust Him to bring about His perfect plan. And that He is working all things to bring me more in conformity to His image - to fit me for Heven!
ReplyDelete