Favorite Hymns vol. 1

Every once and awhile, I'm going to try to put up here some of our family's favorite hymns. If you've ever talked with me about music for corporate worship, you know of my love for hymns (don't worry, I like modern songs too... some of them.). BUT I really like hymns! And I like to sing the Psalms, but that is an issue for another post. Hymns just seem to have a depth of theological truth to them that is missing from many of our more modern songs for corporate worship. I hope these hymns encourage and challenge you. Track down the music, sing them in your church, sing them at home with your family, sing them as you drive to work, read them as a help to your devotions, sing them in the shower! Whatever! I trust they will be helpful for you.


One of our family's favorite hymns is "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" written by William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"). You can see his picture above. This song is a wonderful testimony to God's sovereign care of His children. He is sovereign over all things in our lives, even when we don't see it or feel like it. Cowper expresses this well.

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.

If you have a few minutes, read up on Cowper's personal history. The challenging circumstances he faced add another layer of personal interest to this hymn. Cowper battled much of his life with depressive tendencies, doubt, and fear. God used a close friendship with pastor John Newton (the writer of "Amazing Grace") as a real encouragement to Cowper.