God Moves in a Mysterious Way - Powerful Lyrics

Over the years I've heard literally hundreds of people quote the first line of William Cowper's ageless hymn. We really need to "hear him out" and see what else he had to say. Cowper (1731-1800) was a Christian hymn writer and poet who battled severe depression, attempted suicide numerous times and spent time in insane asylums as they used to be called. John Newton, the converted slave ship captain, (Amazing Grace) befriended Cowper and walked with him through his darkest days/years.

These lyrics are powerful. I've read them repeatedly over the years. I'm reminded that God has a plan and even though we often can't understand why He does what He does in our lives...He is working things out for our good and His glory.

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 unsearchable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works HIs sovereign will

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds you 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

Quiet Reflections at the Keyboard

The following lyrics came to me recently after playing the keyboard in the basement for about half an hour.  It had been a stressful day. I turned off the keyboard, turned out the light and this is what came to me:

The music had stopped
And the lights had gone out
Yet I lingered long after the song:
In the stillness I heard
God's encouraging word
"I've been with you all the day long."

The sweet voice of the Master had calmed me
My day had been fraught with despair:
As I sat there in deep contemplation
I knew that the Lord had been there.

May 6th, 2020

David W. Fisher

I've Learned...by Andy Rooney

Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Rooney has passed away but used to be on CBS's 60 Minutes TV show.

Take two minutes to read these sayings and be sure to read all the way to the bottom:

I've learned....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....
That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned ....
That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day

I've learned....
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned....
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in any other way.

I've learned....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper.The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....
That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you're hooked for life.

I've learned...
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

To all of you....
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.

It's National Friendship Week.  Show your friends how much you care.

Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you.  If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.