Voices Together ‎#618

618. Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises
the child of God who sings:
the light of one who rises
with gentle, healing wings.
When comforts are declining,
God grants the soul again
a season of clear shining,
to cheer it after rain.

2 In holy contemplation
with joy we shall 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.

3 It can bring with it nothing
but God will bear us through.
Who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe the people, too.
Beneath the spreading heavens
no creature but is fed:
the one who feeds the ravens
will give the children bread.

4 Though vine and fig tree neither
their yearly fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there,
yet God, the same abiding,
through praise shall tune my voice,
for while in love confiding
I cannot but rejoice.

Text Information

• First Line: Sometimes a light surprises
• Title: Sometimes a Light Surprises
• Author: William Cowper
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Psalm 30:4-5
  ;
  Lamentations 3:18-26
  ;
  Habakkuk 3:17-18
  ;
  Malachi 4:2
  ;
  Matthew 6:25-34
  ;
  Luke 12:22-31
• Topic: Assurance of Grace; Courage; Faith; God: Faithfulness of; Healing
• Source: Olney Hymns, Book III, 1779, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: SALLY GARDENS
• Arranger: Alfred V. Fedak
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Key: C Major
• Source: Irish traditional, 19th c.
• Copyright: arr. © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak