William Cowper and the story of the hymn God Moves in a Mysterious Way

William Cowper was born in 1731 and became a well-known English poet. He is best known today as a hymn writer.

He struggled with debilitating depression all of his life and spent some time in an asylum for the insane. Through the providence of God, he moved to Olney, where he met and developed a close friendship with John Newton, a former slave ship captain who had devoted his life to Christ and the gospel ministry. Newton ministered greatly to Cowper in some of his darkest days of depression. He also invited him to contribute to a hymnbook he was compiling. Newton's hymnbook would include many of the hymns that continue to bless the church today, such as his hymn, Amazing Grace, and Cowper's hymn, There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.

The hymn that most moves me is "God Works in a Mysterious Way." The lyrics of this hymn are so powerful to me because, in no small part, I know they were penned by a man who desperately struggled with depression yet tenaciously clung to the promises of the gospel. He believed God's word and trusted in God's promises alone. Emotions will lead you astray. Feelings will tell you a lie. However, the truth of God stands forever and will bless you for eternity.