I’m a musician. I’ve always loved music. There’s something very special about how God designed our whole being to react to certain rhythmic vibrations. When combined with skilled poetry in the form of lyrics, singing along seems to me one of the greatest earthly pleasures we can enjoy. It’s no wonder that we’re commanded to “Sing a new song to him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout.” (Psalm 33:3).

The irony of Psalm 33, as we read it aloud today, is that it is no longer a new song. It is a very old one. There is value in singing and writing and crafting new songs for our Lord (he commands us to!); there is also something valuable in joining a song that saints have been singing for years and years and years. Every now and again in this devotional I want to share with you one of my favorite old songs. You may know them and you may not. Either hum the tune or read it as poetry, and let the truth of the verses bring you to a place of worship.

The Song below is either titled “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” or “Light Shining out of Darkness.” It was written by William Cowper (pronounced like “cooper”), who is probably best known for writing “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” He was a contemporary and friend of John Newton (author of “Amazing Grace,”). He was also a deeply troubled man. he spent time in mental hospitals and battled with depression and suicidal thoughts his whole life. I don’t have the space to tell his whole story here, but it’s worth reading about if you have the time.

I think that, in this poem, Cowper captures the anguish of the already-not yet better than I’ve seen anywhere else. We know God is sovereign, and we know that he will work things out for our good. We do not know how. We wait and groan and cry out and endure the suffering of this world without knowing much of the “why” behind the “what.” But Cowper’s words are true, and they bring me much comfort. And in the end, there is no need for us to try and make sense of the “why” of everyone of God’s actions. He is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.

1 God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.

2 Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill; he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sov’reign will.

3 Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread; are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.

4 Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face.

5 His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding ev’ry hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow’r.

6 Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.

Hymnary