Sometimes a light surprises

351 Petition. 7. 6. 7. 6. D.

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,
   “E'en let the unknown 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 vine nor fig tree neither
   their wonted fruit should 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.
                         William Cowper
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1939 edition