Light Shining Out of Darkness

There are numerous references throughout the hymn to dark, stormy, or cloudy weather. In Line 4, the speaker references this natural phenomenon directly when they relate how God “rides upon the storm.” “Clouds,” often the first sign that a storm is on its way, appear in Line 10. The storms make the “sea” (Line 3) rocky and fills those witnessing them with “dread” (Line 10). The dark imagery associated with storms can symbolize the uncertainty and apprehension individuals feel when they don’t quite understand why certain things happen in the world. The speaker makes this concept reality as turmoil literally “clouds” the sight of believers in Stanza 3. This overcast and dreary imagery contrasts with the promise of clarity and brightness that comes in the final stanzas of the poem, the promise that for everyone who trusts fully in God and believes in him, everything will make sense in the end. When the clouds “break” (Line 11), it won’t be rain that falls upon God’s followers but “blessings” (Line 12).

Cowper’s usage of plant imagery is in keeping with the message in his hymn that all of God’s plans will eventually be brought to life.