Light Shining out of Darkness by William Cowper | God Moves in a Mysterious Way | William Cowper | Light Shining out of Darkness | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Light Shining out of Darkness
(William Cowper)
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 sov’reign 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 ev’ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Light Shining out of Darkness by William Cowper: YouTube Link
Light Shining out of Darkness Analysis
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Explanation: The speaker begins by acknowledging God as their subject. However, they recognize the challenge of writing about a being about whom little empirical knowledge exists. God’s actions are described as “wonders,” emphasizing their inconceivability and magnificence. The phrase “plants his footsteps in the sea” is paradoxical. It suggests that God’s actions are hidden, like footprints on the ocean floor that cannot be witnessed directly. The image of God “riding upon the storm” evokes power and control over natural forces.
Metaphor: The speaker describes God’s actions as a “mysterious way” and likens them to footsteps planted in the sea. This metaphor emphasizes God’s hidden, enigmatic nature.
Personification: The phrase “God moves” personifies God, attributing human-like motion to the divine.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sov’reign will.
Explanation: The speaker refers to God’s “never-failing skill” and treasures hidden in “unfathomable mines.” These metaphors emphasize God’s wisdom and purpose. God’s designs are bright and intentional, reflecting His sovereignty. The phrase “works his sov’reign will” underscores God’s authority over all things.
Poetic Device:
Metaphor: The “unfathomable mines” symbolize God’s hidden wisdom and purpose. Like precious treasures, His designs remain concealed until revealed.
Enjambment: The continuation of the sentence from one line to the next (“His wonders to perform / He plants his footsteps in the sea”) creates a smooth flow, emphasizing the seamless nature of God’s actions.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Explanation: The speaker addresses “fearful saints” and encourages them to take fresh courage. The clouds, often associated with difficulties or trials, are described as “big with mercy.” Even challenges hold blessings. The idea is that God’s providence, though sometimes obscured, ultimately brings good.
Poetic Device:
Apostrophe: The speaker directly addresses “fearful saints,” acknowledging their struggles and encouraging them. This apostrophe adds a personal touch.
Metaphor: Clouds are used metaphorically to represent trials and difficulties, while “big with mercy” suggests that these trials are filled with God’s blessings.
Assonance: The repeated “e” sound in “head” and “dread” creates a harmonious effect.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
Explanation: The speaker advises not to judge God based on limited human understanding (“feeble sense”). Trusting in God’s grace is essential, even when circumstances seem unfavorable (“behind a frowning providence”). The hidden smile behind the frown suggests God’s benevolence.
Poetic Device:
Paradox: The phrase “behind a frowning providence / He hides a smiling face” presents a paradox—God’s apparent severity conceals His underlying grace.
Chiasmus: The reversal of word order in “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense” emphasizes the importance of trusting God beyond mere sensory perception.
Imagery: The contrasting images of a frowning face and a hidden smile evoke complex emotions.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev’ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Explanation: God’s purposes unfold over time (“ripen fast”). Life’s bitter experiences (“bud”) eventually yield sweetness (“flower”). The metaphor emphasizes growth, transformation, and God’s redemptive work.
Poetic Device:
Metaphor: The metaphor of a bud turning into a flower represents life’s bitter experiences (bud) eventually yielding sweetness (flower). It symbolizes growth and transformation.
Parallelism: The balanced structure in “The bud may have a bitter taste, / But sweet will be the flow’r” reinforces the idea of contrasting phases.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Explanation: “Blind unbelief” refers to doubting God’s goodness. The speaker asserts that God interprets His own work. We may not fully understand, but God will make it clear in His time.
“अंध अविश्वास” का तात्पर्य ईश्वर की अच्छाई पर संदेह करना है। वक्ता का दावा है कि ईश्वर अपने कार्य की व्याख्या स्वयं करता है। हो सकता है कि हम पूरी तरह न समझें, परन्तु परमेश्वर अपने समय में इसे स्पष्ट कर देगा।
Poetic Device:
Antithesis: The contrast between “blind unbelief” and trusting in God’s interpretation highlights the theme of faith versus doubt. “Blind unbelief” suggests a lack of understanding or trust, while the idea of God as His own interpreter emphasizes divine clarity.
Personification: Unbelief is personified as “blind,” highlighting its inability to see and understand God’s plans.
