Lessons from songs # 9

Sometimes a Light Surprises – William Cowper

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord Who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after the rain

In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.

Tomorrow can bring us nothing, but He will bear us through:
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too:
Beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed;
And He Who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the fields should wither, nor flocks or herds be there
Yet, God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.

During the Area Retreat the Youth join the adults for Sunday morning worship. During that time of worship our worship leaders taught us (or at least me) this wonderful hymn written by William Cowper. Cowper was a good friend of John Newton and was known to struggle with depression.

The words of this hymn are beautiful and full of hope but I love the title more. I think I am always surprised at God. You’d think by now it wouldn’t be a surprise when He shows us his grace and mercy. I hope I never expect God’s love…i always want to be surprised. I think if I did expect that would be a very dangerous place to be. But oh how sweet it is when that surprise comes and we are reminded of how He loves us.

I was also introduced to this verse during the area retreat.

Habbakuk 1:5 Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.

I LOVE this verse!  What hope it gives me! It’s hard sometimes to remember to look around and see outside of your circumstances and see what God is doing all around us.  I want this to be my anchor verse. When I get so caught up in myself and forget that the Lord is working, surprising and doing things that I can’t even imagine I want to remember to LOOK…WONDER…be ASTOUNDED!

I feel a new tattoo being born…maybe… 😉