Cowper was plagued all his life by long bouts of deep, deep depression. And it never got all that much better. Like John Piper said in his biography of Cowper (definitely listen to it if you can!), "No happy ending."
But the product of Cowper's life is an amazing legacy of hymns and poetry that are, ironically, infused with a hope he never seemed fully to grasp. Every time we sing "There Is A Fountain" and the words "Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die!" we are singing something out of Cowper's heart.
The truth of God was stronger than Cowper's depression. And the power and sovereignty of God equipped Him to sing more glory to God through that depression than he would've been able to without it.
This comforts me. God's purpose isn't always that His children be happy, as the world defines it. Often the times it seems like He's abandoned us are the times that He is calling us closer into fellowship with Himself.
And there we find the truest happiness there is.
Maybe Cowper said it best:
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
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 err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
William Cowper, "God Moves In A Mysterious Way"
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