9 Hymns for Those Struggling with Anxiety and Depression

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

The hymns of William Cowper are essential to this list. His texts marry the pits of despair, which for Cowper were sometimes mires of insanity, with the glorious truths we know to be true. In worship, we’re often called to confess with our mouths things we don’t entirely believe with our hearts. I’ve found the same to be true in the tough times, and the clinical episodes.

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 sov’reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds you 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 ev’ry hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
and He will make it plain.