Glory to God ‎#800

800. Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises
the child of God who 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 the unknown tomorrow
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 vine nor fig tree neither
their longed-for 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.

Text Information

• First Line: Sometimes a light surprises
• Title: Sometimes a Light Surprises
• Author: William Cowper (1779, alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  2 Samuel 23:4-5
  ;
  Psalm 30:5
  ;
  Habakkuk 3:17-19
  ;
  Malachi 4:2
  ;
  Matthew 6:28
  ;
  Matthew 6:34
  ;
  Romans 15:13
• Topic: Care of Creation; Healing; Lament; Music and the Arts; Renewal

Tune Information

• Name: SALLEY GARDENS
• Arranger: Alfred V. Fedak (2011)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
• Key: C Major
• Source: Irish folk melody
• Copyright: Arr. © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak

Text Information:

This is one of the few hymns rooted in what can happen during worship, and that experience—gaining a spiritual insight while singing—is no less possible now than when this text was written in the 18th century. It is set here to a folk song variously labeled Irish or English.