May 1 Newsletter

Beloved Brothers and Sisters:

This week I wanted to share the words to perhaps my favorite poem.  In fact it is a hymn as well, though I have no idea what it was originally intended to sound like.  It is called “God Moves in a Mysterious” Way by William Cowper, written in the  late 1700’s.

Cowper was a poet and hymn writer who seemed to feel things so deeply that he was prone to bouts of melancholy and depression.  He was a close friend of John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”, and they worked together to produce a hymnal that included both “Amazing Grace” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”.

Even though he often sunk into a dark place, Cowper believed in the goodness of God, the wonderful mysteries of His ways, and the blessings that awaited in the midst of and on the other side of even the most difficult trial.

This poem has often been a comfort to my soul, and I trust it will be an encouragement to yours as well.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

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.

In Case You Missed It

• This past Sunday, Pastor Matt continued our study of Hebrews with a look at the connection between Israel’s hardened hearts in the wilderness and our call to persevere in faith.  Listen to Harden Not Your Hearts: Hebrews 3:7-19 Part I
• This Sunday we will be continuing our study of the book of Hebrews with the second part of last weeks sermon.  Take some time to meditate on Hebrews 3:11-19 in order to prepare yourself for worshiping together.
• Remember that we will begin our worship service at 10:00 am.  Please make every effort to be on time, and even a little early, as we want to be faithful to begin when we say we will begin.