God Moves in a Mysterious Way By William Cowper | Life Changing Poetry

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The phrase, "God works in mysterious ways," has become a popular saying for moments when we seek answers that we cannot find. Sometimes used to try to offer comfort, sometimes used as a way to avoid deeper conversation, the top definition of the phrase on UrbanDictionary.com is the slightly humorous but ultimately truthful, "I have no idea why that happened." While based on scripture1, this phrase actually is derived from William Cowper's hymn, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."

William Cowper was keenly aware of the truth that God moves in mysterious ways. His life seems to have been “one long accumulation of pain,” especially mental pain. But this hymn writer trusted by faith–not perfectly, but perseveringly–that in this mysterious and maddening providence, God was working wonders.

Cowper was born in 1731 in Berkhamsted, England. His mother died when he was only 6 years old, leaving him to be raised by his father. Unfortunately, it seems that he had an unhealthy relationship with his father, who may also have contributed to Cowper’s difficulties by pushing him into practicing law. He would abandon this career in his early 30s.

The mental pain Cowper struggled with was primarily depression. He had four major battles with it throughout his life, leading him to attempt suicide on several occasions. He was never successful, however, and God would preserve his life until death by dropsy in 1800, aged 69.


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