Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

When your carefully made plans are disrupted or spoiled..remember...

Man proposes, God disposes.

People can make plans,

But God determines how things turn out. Proverbs 16:9

You can make many plans,

but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21

I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own.

We are not able to plan our own course. Jeremiah 10:23

The hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" has been a source of great comfort and blessing to many of God's people

since William Cowper wrote it in the 18th century. Yet few people know of the unusual circumstances that led to its composition.

William Cowper was a Christian, but he had sunk to the depths of despair.

One foggy night he called for a horsedrawn carriage and asked to be taken to the London Bridge on the Thames River.

He was so overcome by depression that he intended to commit suicide. But after 2 hours of driving through the mist, Cowper's coachman reluctantly confessed that he was lost.

Disgusted by the delay, Cowper left the carriage and decided to find the London Bridge on foot.

After walking only a short distance, though, he discovered that he was at his own doorstep!

The carriage had been going in circles.

Immediately he recognized the restraining hand of God in it all.

Convicted by the Spirit, he realized that the way out of his troubles was to look to God, not to jump into the river.

As he cast his burden on the Savior, his heart was comforted.

With gratitude he sat down and penned these reassuring words:

"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.

O fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head."

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,

so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,

in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely,

Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3