Luke 12:24a-“Consider the ravens: They don’t sow or reap; they don’t have a storeroom or a barn; yet God feeds them…” (CSB)
William Cowper was an English poet and hymnodist who suffered greatly from depression, attempting suicide three times in his life. A contemporary and friend of John Newton (writer of Amazing Grace), Cowper found refuge in the contemplations of the gospel, as evidenced by his writings.
One such hymn (below), Joy and Peace in Believing (Olney Hymns, 1779), reflects upon Luke 12:22-26.
Verse 2
“In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
Themes of God's salvation and find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow we cheerfully can say
We will let the dark tomorrow bring with it what it may.
Refrain
It will bring with it nothing and he will bear us through.
He who gives the lilies clothing will clothe his people, too.
Beneath the spreading heavens by God all things are fed
And he who feeds the ravens will give his children bread.”
- Poem by William Cowper
- Song by Josh White, He Who Feeds the Ravens
In contemplation, we also can find refuge in the same passage of scripture that Cowper so elegantly articulates. This is important, as our response to the current times requires a recognition that perhaps we have become too reliant upon ourselves.
So pause, note your blessings, and give praise to the One who is worthy (Phil. 4:4)
As we all adapt to this unique and trying time, may we remember that our faith is in the God who feeds the ravens.
