God Moves in A Mysterious Way Lyrics
Tune Name: DUNDEE
Composer: Scottish Psalter
Meter: 8.6.8.6 (CM)
Hymnbook Source: Scottish Psalter; English hymnals
Verse 1
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Verse 2
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Verse 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.
Verse 4
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
Verse 5
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Verse 6
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | God Moves in a Mysterious Way |
| Author / Lyricist | William Cowper (1731–1800) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / Adapted (19th century) |
| Date Written / Published | 1774 |
| Historical Context | Written in 18th-century England; reflects Cowper’s deep Christian faith and trust in God’s providence amid personal struggles. |
| Theme / Message | God’s providence and unseen guidance; faith in God’s ultimate plan. |
| Notable Features | Uses rhymed quatrains; memorable and reflective style suitable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Widely included in English and American hymnals; popular in personal devotion and public worship. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck; William Cowper: A Biography – Lascelles Abercrombie |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| William Cowper, Poet & Hymn Writer, 1731–1800 | Cowper authored the hymn, emphasizing God’s providence and inscrutable guidance. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian remarks on the hymn’s theological depth, highlighting its assurance of God’s plan despite human uncertainty. |
| Isaac Watts, English Hymn Writer & Theologian, 1674–1748 | Watts’ writings on divine providence and trust complement the thematic content of Cowper’s hymn. |
| Philip Doddridge, Nonconformist Minister & Hymn Writer, 1702–1751 | Doddridge emphasizes God’s providential guidance, reflecting themes central to this hymn. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton’s devotional focus on trusting God mirrors the central idea of divine providence in Cowper’s hymn. |
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