Poem for the Second Sunday of Lent

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 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.

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 expected fruit should 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.

William Cowper (1731 – 1800)

This is one of William Cowper’s most moving hymns.  Hymns are prayers that we sing and 

often they are also great poems.

William Cowper suffered terrible times of mental desolation. Often our feelings swamp us and we have to hold on to the firm ground of the fact of God’s saving grace and providence.  We can determine, like Habbakuk (3:17-19), that come what may we will rejoice in the Lord and be on the look out for the surprise when it comes – a season of clear shining.  Spring is on the way!   

Tina Lamb