This Is My Father’s World

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
   the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The beauty of the world around us is such a powerful testimony to the glory of God. This year we have been continually blessed by God’s gracious provision of dahlias and zinnias throughout the summer and into the Fall. And in turn these beautiful blossoms have attracted beautiful butterflies who come to dance among them as they search  for pollen. And even beyond their lovely presence we have delighted in the hummingbirds who have darted in and out among the blossoms. So, it has been a source of daily joy—recognizing how intricately God has created this world—brimming over with constant reminders of His Glory. So, I join the Psalmist in praising our wonderful and very purposeful Creator. His majesty is abundantly clear to anyone who has eyes to see. I believe that is why I have since my childhood loved the hymn, “This Is My Father’s World.” Not surprisingly, the hymn writer, Maltbie Babcock, a Presbyterian minister, wrote his testimony in song, inspired by times he spent walking among the natural beauty of the forests, hills, rivers and water falls of upstate New York.

THIS IS MY FAHER’S WORLD

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world;
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
His hands the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world;
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world;
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world;
O let me ne’er forget!
That though the wrong seem oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world;
The battle is not done
Jesus who died shall be satisfied
And earth and Heaven be one.

In the very first line he summarizes his testimony: “This is my Father’s World.” He rejoices in the beauty of nature, and he recognizes that all that beauty points not only to our glorious Creator, but also to our loving Father. He has shaped and formed the heavens above, the mountains standing tall, the trees so grand, and everything in nature  that so delights us. We can say a hardy “Amen” to “This is my Father’s World.” Indeed, every aspect of His Nature all around us speaks to us of His awesome creativity and His loving provision for His people. We can find encouragement, assurance, and strength as we open our eyes and ears; and indeed, all of our senses to luxuriate in His goodness.

Sometimes we really need His loving assurance. Because of our human problem  with sin, we cannot ignore the troubles in this life that sometimes threaten to overwhelm us. As the third stanza of this beautiful hymn reminds us; we need to hold onto the testimony of God’s Goodness and Power so evident in nature. Though the battle with the Enemy still rages, God remains our eternal and faithful Ruler. After all, Jesus has come and lived among us. He has lived and taught among us. He has worked mighty miracles of healing. He has  provided  for our  needs, small and large. He has proven His power over nature by walking on water and calming storms.  He has even raised the dead. Ultimately, He has died to give us victory over our own sin and death. He has risen in resurrection power to redeem us as we turn to Him in faith. He is preparing a place He will gloriously share with us forever.

There is a quiet and resolute faith underlying every word of this hymn. The simple tune undergirds this message of assurance brimming with joy and celebrating the glory of our Good Father in Heaven. Praise His Holy Name. 

(Now, if you have a few moments, go to You Tube and search for “This Is My Father’s World,” choose one of many available recordings  and let the sweetness of the words and music wash over you. I chose a beautiful and quiet version by Amy Grant.”)

A Beautiful Example
Of Our Father God’s
Creative Craftsmanship