Book of Worship with Hymns and Tunes ‎#458

458. Sometimes a light surprises

1 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.

2 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 an unknown to-morrow
Bring with it what it may.

3 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.

4 Though neither vine nor fig-tree
Its wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the fields 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.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Sometimes a light surprises
• Author: William Cowper (1779)
• Meter: 7s, 6s D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1899
• Topic: Christians: Blessedness of; Consolation; Hope; Joy; Trials: Blessings of; Trust: In Providence

Tune Information

• Name: EVARTS
• Meter: 7s, 6s D.