ISAIAH 55:8–9 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
THEME OF THE DAY: The Mysterious but Good Ways of God. Today’s nugget takes a little different twist than normal. It contains a little history of a hymn composer William Cowper (1731-1800) who was a dear friend of John Newton (1725-1807), the author of another great hymn of the faith–Amazing Grace. Our nugget will also include the hymn titled God Moves in a Mysterious Way. First, the composer. At age 32, William Cowper passed through a great crisis in his life. He tried to end his life by taking laudanum. Then he hired a horse-drawn cabbie, ordering the driver to take him to the River Thames in London, intending to throw himself from the bridge. It was one of London’s foggiest nights. They drove for an hour without reaching the chosen spot. Disgusted, he decided to get out and walk there. He found to his surprise they had actually gone in a circle and he was back at his own doorstep! The next morning, he fell upon a knife, but the blade broke and his life was spared. He then tried to hang himself, and was cut down unconscious buts till alive. Then one morning, he took up his Bible and read a verse in the Letter to the Romans. He received strength to believe, and rejoiced in the forgiving power of God. Sometime later, Cowper summed up his faith in God’s loving dealing with him in a great hymn which became a favorite among Christians. Now that hymn . . .
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 every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain.
PRAYER: “Father, help me see all things by the faith You have given me not my feelings that betray me.”
QUOTE: “God’s ways are mysterious but His dealings with us are not. They are always good, in love, and for His glory.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim