William Cowper: A Poet Who Knew the Storms of Life

Ken Kalis
3 days ago
3 min read

I was in deep trouble in 1998. There was no income, and expenses were mounting.

My wife and I knelt and prayed, "Lord Jesus, send us what we need."
An hour later, she took a call. "Do you know a Pat Cippalone?"
I did. He was the Supreme Advocate at the Knights of Columbus.
We need help with a confidential project. Are you able to take it on?

I was, and it paid enough to keep us going for a year! Isn't Jesus wonderful?

******************************

William Cowper (pronounced “Cooper”) is one of the great Christian poets of the English language—and one of the most tender. His hymns still speak because they came out of suffering.

Cowper was the most popular poet of his time.

He struggled for years with depression, fear, and inner darkness. He was a friend and partner of John Newton, the former slave trader turned pastor who wrote Amazing Grace.

Newton and Cowper lived together in Olney, where they wrote the Olney Hymns—a treasure-house of evangelical poetry and song.

Cowper’s personal trials forged in him a deep trust in God’s sovereignty. Out of that furnace came this poem, which gave the English-speaking world one of the most quoted lines ever written:

“God moves in a mysterious wayHis wonders to perform.”

The Poem

Light Shining Out of Darkness (1773)

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

breakIn 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.

Why This Poem Still Speaks

Cowper had known long nights when the Lord seemed far away. Yet by faith—not by sight—he clung to the truth that the storm does not disprove God’s love; it reveals it.

The clouds we fear often burst into blessing. The bitter bud becomes a sweet flower.

Cowper teaches us to trust the hidden sovereignty of God. He teaches us that Jesus is Lord of the storm. He teaches us that Providence may look dark today—but not forever.

Application: Trust God’s Hand When You Cannot See His Face

Cowper’s poem reminds us of three truths every believer needs:

God is working even when you cannot trace Him.Behind the darkest cloud is the brightest mercy.
Providence is rarely understood in the moment.“The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.”
God interprets His own works. He will make it plain—in His time, in His way.
The storm belongs to Christ.“He rides upon the storm.” The waves that threaten you carry Him to you.

If you are in a bitter season, hold on. Cowper wrote these words in the depth of trial—and God carried him, again and again. He will carry you.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,We thank You that Your ways, though mysterious to us, are perfect.Teach us to trust when we cannot see, to hope when we tremble,and to rest in Your sovereign love.Hide not Your smiling face from us in the storm,and let Your mercy break over our heads like rain.In Your Name we pray—Amen.

Discussion Question

Where have you seen God turn a “frowning providence” into blessing in your life?

Share your thoughts in the comments—I would love to hear your testimony.

And remember this song:

When I fear my faith will fail,

Christ will hold me fast;

When the tempter would prevail,

He can hold me fast!

Refrain:

He will hold me fast,

He will hold me fast;

For my Savior loves me so,

He will hold me fast.

2 I could never keep my hold,

He must hold me fast;

For my love is often cold,

He must hold me fast. [Refrain]

3 I am precious in His sight,

He will hold me fast;

Those He saves are His delight,

He will hold me fast. [Refrain]

4 He'll not let my soul be lost,

Christ will hold me fast;

Bought by Him at such a cost,

He will hold me fast. [Refrain]

Amen

Author: Ada R. Habershon (1906)