The Hymnbook ‎#418

418. 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 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 wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field 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
• Title: Sometimes a Light Surprises
• Author: William Cowper (1779)
• Meter: 7. 6. 7. 6. D.
• Publication Date: 1955
• Scripture:
  Habakkuk 3:17-18
  ;
  Luke 12:24
• Topic: Comfort; God: Presence; God: Providence; Peace, Spiritual; Trust; Life in Christ: Peace

Tune Information

• Name: BENTLEY
• Composer: John Hullah (1867)
• Meter: 7. 6. 7. 6. D.
• Key: C Major
• Notes: Alternative tune, "Nyland," opposite page.