There are seasons when life brings deep, hard things … the loss of a spouse, the burial of a child, a long-term disability, or seasons of uncertainty and anxiety where God feels distant and silent.
In this moving episode, Marlin shares the power of an old hymn written by William Cowper in 1779, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” The lyrics speak straight to the heart:
“God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform…
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.”
Marlin reminds us that even when we cannot see or understand what God is doing, we can trust His sovereign, never-failing skill.
These short, heartfelt Minutes with Marlin deliver quick moments of wisdom, faith, humility, and encouragement—perfect for busy homestead days when we need a gentle reminder of what really matters.
Learn more about Plain Values at https://plainvalues.com
Transcripts
Marlin Miller:
If you’re like me, I’m guessing you are. There are times that you face deep hard things that bring a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. Maybe you lost a spouse, maybe you buried a child, maybe a child had an accident and you’re now dealing with a long-term disability and you don’t know where the Lord is and you can’t hear him and you can’t see him. Those are not easy times. Recently I came across an old hymn written by William Kalper named God Works in Mysterious Ways. He published it in 1779 alongside John Newton who wrote Amazing Grace. The simplicity and the depth of this hymn are just incredible. Listen to the lyrics, please. God moves in a mysterious way. His wanders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable minds of never failing skill. He treasures up his bright designs and works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace. Behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste but sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to air and scan his work in vain. God is his own interpreter and he will make it plain. Take hope and know that he is there.
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