“God Works in Mysterious Ways”

This one is a version of a line from a hymn written in 1671 by J. Playford, “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform”—not the Bible. It’s most often quoted to indicate that you never can tell what God is going to do because you can never understand him anyway—he’s just one big mystery.

However, the New Testament portrays God as the revealer of mysteries.

Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him--to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:25 emphasis added

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. Ephesians 1:9 emphasis added

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Colossians 2:2-4 emphasis added

Even the hymn-writer understood that God is the revealer of mysteries since he closed out the song with, “God is His own interpreter and he will make it plain.” emphasis added

Marvel at God’s wonders, yes, but don’t distance yourself from God and his ways with an air of mystery; instead look to him for the answers!