We sang "This is My Father's World" in church yesterday. The opening chords of the song immediately took me back to the first time I heard it sung by a children's choir at a Lutheran summer camp in Minnesota. Their sweet voices sang in a simple two-part harmony, and sitting in that warm evening camp meeting, I thought it was the most beautiful hymn ever written.
The lyrics still bring tears to my eyes.
He shines in all that's fair.
Yes, He does.
I rest me in the thought.
Deep breath. Yes, I do.
God is the ruler yet.
Yes, He still is.
There is something reassuring about knowing that this is all His, don't you agree?
No fear, just peace in His care.
Today, let's listen for the music of the spheres. And then, simply rest in the thought: His hand the wonders wrought.
To help you out, here is Fernando Ortega's rendition of This is My Father's World. It's well worth a few minutes to start your week with a peaceful perspective.
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.
Maltbie Babcock, 1901
What can you do today to experience the wonder of God's creation? How will you rest in Him?
