3 Lessons from “This Is My Father’s World”

This is my Father’s world, and to my list’ning 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 hand 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: oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems 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 Heav’n be one.

Date: 19^th century

Writer(s): Maltbie D. Babcock 

Background for writing: This hymn writer was both a faithful Presbyterian minister and an avid athlete who loved the outdoors. Most days when he would go outside for morning exercise, he would proclaim, “I am going out to see my Father’s world.” Babcock calls creation “the music of the spheres.” He believed Christ to be Creator and Lord over all He created.

3 Lessons:

1. All of creation exists to worship its Creator.
2. His work of creation ought to produce a sweet and calm trust in the Lord who is sovereign over His creation.
3. A broken and polluted world will not last forever.