This hymn was written by William Cowper, a man who was afflicted with mental illness and depression for a large portion of his life. His illness got so severe that he tried to commit suicide three times. With treatment and the inspiration of his friend John Newton, he began to recover and write hymns. This hymn captures the mystery of God’s power, without questioning God’s goodness. The first line and title of the hymn, “God moves in a mysterious way,” has become a common saying to justify strange or tragic occurrences.