Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord Who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, he grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after the 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,
Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.
Tomorrow can bring us 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 should bear,
Though all the fields should wither, nor flocks or herds be there
Yet, God the same abiding, his praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.
~William Cowper, 1779
This is one of my favorite hymns; the words inspire such joyful hope in the midst of pain. It's important to note here that Cowper suffered from periods of deep depression. I imagine that he wrote this with full sincerity upon deliverance from a time of difficulty. What healing and hope he must have experienced in Christ to be able to pen these words:
It is the Lord Who rises with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining, he grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after the rain.
We've all been at the point of desperation at some time; maybe that is where you are now. Praise God that He grants moments of restored joy, healing, being "set free from present sorrow." Wherever you are today, know and trust that "Tomorrow can bring us nothing, but He will bear us through!" Pondering that inspires rejoicing no matter what befalls!
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