Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#495a

495a. 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 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
• Author: William Cowper, 1731 - 1800
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: The Church Year: Pentecost - The Holy Ghost; The Life in Christ: Repentance and Faith; The Life In Christ: Contemplation

Tune Information

• Name: BENTLEY
• Composer: John Pyke Hullah, 1812 - 84
• Meter: 7 6, 7 6. D.
• Key: C Major