Today we want to share this timely new song performed by our missionaries, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” The text, thought to be the origin of the phrase, “God moves (or works) in mysterious ways,” was written in 1773 by the poet William Cowper. Cowper was a friend and collaborator of John Newton (the author of "Amazing Grace") and was active, along with Newton, in the abolitionist movement.
Nick Holovaty based this arrangement on a hymn tune from Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, William Walker ed. (1854). Cowper’s poem was originally entitled, “Light Shining Out of Darkness.”
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 sovereign 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.
Responses
Ron Gouveia says:
July 10th, 2020 at 4:29 PM
Beautiful and perfect for this time of storm!!!
Dominick Minotti says:
July 10th, 2020 at 5:28 PM
I can confirm the words. In my illness I experience the words everyday. I know he is the great healer. However I accept his will. God is so good. Thanks so much for your emails. God’s blessings on all of you.
Margaret Sak says:
July 10th, 2020 at 5:50 PM
Absolutely beautiful. Wisely timed and encouraging. Thank you.
Jim Kadera says:
July 10th, 2020 at 6:41 PM
What a great meditation song. I used it in my prayer time.
Kathleen Heinrich says:
July 10th, 2020 at 9:01 PM
Beautiful and peaceful. Thank you.
Carmen Fraga says:
July 11th, 2020 at 4:14 AM
Lovely and moving melodic song. The singing and harmony were soothing to my spirit! Thank you so much!
Anne Nicklaus says:
July 11th, 2020 at 7:26 AM
Love this! Thank you for the beautiful words and music!
Jim Grill says:
July 11th, 2020 at 8:05 AM
Beautiful arrangement. Nice to hear another "new" song. thanks Nick.
Rick Ridenour says:
July 11th, 2020 at 10:33 AM
Wonderful song, arrangement--greatly blessed by this. thank you
Karen Heintzelman says:
July 11th, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Beautiful!!
Bruce Wansart says:
July 11th, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Trust in the Lord in all his ways and He will grant you the desires of your heart!
This song brings this out very clearly!
No pain no gain- Occuh
Jeri bartek says:
July 11th, 2020 at 1:33 PM
Great encouragement as as I wait the results of a Covid ?
Gloria murphy says:
July 12th, 2020 at 10:18 AM
Thank you for this lovely rendition of the Cowper poem... It is always a joy to hear your recording and recognize the lovely voices who are making this reflection for us.
MariaNicotra says:
July 13th, 2020 at 6:46 PM
Lovely..thank you
Frances Gauthier says:
July 14th, 2020 at 10:50 PM
Loved the simple vocal harmony. Very inspired poem and musical arrangement. I thank God for your talent, Nick and singers.
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