William Cowper, Light Shining out of Darkness (a poem, also called "God Moves in a Mysterious Way")

This beautiful poem is a justification of Divine Providence. It was written in 1773, just before the second onset of a depressive illness, in which Cowper attempted suicide by drowning.

The wind chime, with which I mark off the stanzas, is a reference to the mysteriousness of the wind, which "bloweth where it listeth." The dandelion is another reference to the wind; since its seeds (like divine purposes) are carried by the wind to grow in whatever place it sees fit.

Transcript:

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.