As we go through seasons of uncertainty, be it the coronavirus, depression, or other trials of life, may we take heart in the fact that we have hope in a Sovereign God. And there is joy and peace to be found in Christ!

William Cowper (1731–1800) was a poet and hymn writer who struggled with severe bouts of depression throughout his life. He was good friends with John Newton (1725-1807), who God used to help counsel and console him.

Cowper’s (correctly pronounced Cooper) most popular hymns are, “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” “O For a Closer Walk with God,” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” He and Newton embarked on a collaborative hymns project, famously known as the Olney Hymns, which also produced the greatest hymn of our time written by Newton, “Amazing Grace.” 

Like Newton, may we look for opportunities to counsel and console someone who may be struggling, especially in times of isolation. We never know the eternal impact of how helping someone today may lead to encouraging people hundreds of years from now. I hope you’ll be encouraged by this less popular, but most helpful hymn by Cowper.  I picture him singing it as he writes and rewrites the lines.

Joy & Peace in Believing

Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing on His wings;

When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
And find it ever new;

Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E’en let the unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may!

It can bring with it nothing,
But He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe His people too;

Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there:

Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.