O, Fathomless Abyss

The fathomless heavens brim where mercy has not failed

as the beginning of a new day-week-month are unveiled!

Rom.11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches

 and wisdom and knowledge of God! 

How unsearchable are his judgments

 and how inscrutable his ways!

Job 11:7-9
Can you fathom the deep things of God 

or discover the limits of the Almighty? 

 They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? 

They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 

Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

***

Today's inspiration is the gathering together of many threads;

one, this morning's devotion below.

another, from a train of tender thoughts after yesterday

when Jim and I took my parent's to visit another aging couple

whose bodies and minds are suffering time's toll;

and the beauty in their conversation of their hope and joy in 

better Things to come, when the Lord wills!

Another thread; the inexpressible mingling of joy and grief as we

thank God for our new pastor and still deeply mourn

the loss that brought him to us! 

Oh, fathomless abyss, unplumbed by mortal will

In a world with so much amiss, who can true hope fulfill?

The glove of circumstance, the trove where trouble teems

Are but a finite wink and glance on mercy’s boundless streams

Where God’s goodness and grace no thought can comprehend

Nor reason-wrought assumption trace a Path that hath no end

Oh, inscrutable depth of Threads by God’s hands held

Through His fingers the warp and weft of faith, hope and love meld

To weave a Confidence, though trials may increase

The mind stayed on Kind Providence God binds with perfect peace

Then, though no mortal knows what trial yet may come

The riches only God bestows no faith nor fear can plumb

Oh, fathomless abyss, no plot or scheme can quell

Oh, fulfillment of promises eternity will tell

Oh, matchless Name of He who is mighty to save

Who broke sin’s curse at Calvary and overthrew the grave

To anchor Hope where His Word and mysteries meld

Until faith’s fathomless abyss of riches is beheld

Fathomless verge unseen anchors the path we tread 

As breath by breath unfolds between what was and waits ahead

Where we are not alone to face faith's grueling tests

God makes his faithful Presence known as on His Word we rest 

When dread's dark clouds amass, what joy God's peace sustains

To know that nothing can surpass the depths that He ordains  

Janet Martin

God Moves in a Mysterious Way 

Lyrics

Author: William Cowper (1731–1800), written in 1773.

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.