JOB 42:2
William Cowper was a man who experienced tragedy. His mother died when he was six. His father also died while he was still young. He qualified as a barrister, but suffered from serious depression. When applying for an administrative post in the House of Lords, he was so disturbed by the prospect of the required test that he attempted suicide. For the rest of his life he suffered from mental illness.
When he was in his thirties, John Newton (his mentor) encouraged him to begin composing hymns. He wrote powerfully of the joys and sorrows of everyday life. In 1774, he was prevented from marrying Mary Unwin because of his mental state. Shortly afterwards, in perhaps his most famous hymn, he wrote:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
We will never know for sure until we are in the presence of the Lord why some things are the way they are. But for now, we will rest in His word:
“I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:2 (NKJV).
Photo: Unsplash
