GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY
A new tune to an old text! In writing this melody, I was captivated by the somber tone of William Cowper’s words and his blunt (but correct) perspective of our reality. Although the text is 250 years old, it remains relevant today. We will never comprehend God’s intentions; his ways are mysterious to the limited human mind. But we remain faithful because “behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.”
This new melody is in the key of D minor natural, reflecting the message of Cowper’s poem. Additionally, I repeated some of the lines from the poem’s original structure in order to allow listeners more time to ponder over the meaning of these words. LISTEN to the full recording below!
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God Moves In a Mysterious Way
Words by William Cowper (1774)
Music by Raluca Bojor
LYRICS
God moves in a mysterious way
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
His wonders to perform
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his work in vain
And scan his work in vain
God is his own interpreter
And he will make it plain
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan his work in vain
His purposes will ripen fast
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust in him for grace
But trust in him for grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust in him for grace
Words by William Cowper (1731-1800)
Music © 2024 Raluca Bojor. All Rights Reserved
CCLI song ID – 7219294