Depression Gives Birth to Truth

William Cowper was a British poet and hymn writer (1731-1800). My grandmother often quoted his most famous poem when mystified or troubled. It's first line became widely known and the poem later became a classic hymn: "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform."

Amazingly, this great poet, like many of us, struggled throughout his life with depression, doubts, and fears. Some of the most influential people- both in and outside God's Church- have waged this battle throughout their lives. In the end, it was always Cowper's faith that carried him out of his inner isolation and darkness.

Read Cowper's poem reflectively the next time you're facing a dark season of your own. And keep this in mind: it was written from a sanitarium (the precursor of our modern psychiatric hospitals). I think you'll agree that this fact alone gives added weight to Cowper's powerful insights..

"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."