William Cowper

Sunday night one of our elders began a brief series on depression, and it sent me digging for my biography of William Cowper as penned by John Piper in his The Swans are Not Silent series. It is an interesting 40 page journey into this man’s experience with debilitating periods of darkness, and the “famous” friend who walked that journey with him. Cowper (pronounced Cooper) was a prolific writer and poet. Some of his hymns are still around today. One of his most recognizable works (and a personal favorite of mine) I’ve copied below.
Cowper remains for me an example of the truth that God can shine brilliantly through weakness.

“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

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.”

~William Cowper, 1731 - 1800