This Is My Father’s World | Hymn25

1901 | Maltbie D Babcock

The heat of summer is making its way to town, which in North Dallas means one thing: air conditioning! It is a tragedy how much time I spend indoors during the summer months. Many days the only time I find myself outside is during the 1-minute walk from my car to the office. If I’m not intentional with my plans, I can go days without being outside.

Yet studies show[1] that major health benefits come from being outside and in nature at least 120 minutes a week. (Spending more time outside is associated with lower probabilities of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental distress in adults and lower risks of obesity and myopia in children.

What we know in our hearts and read from Scripture is that in nature we commune with God’s creation.

Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

When we are outdoors, we are in contact with God’s handiwork. In creation, we see evidence of the Creator. The trees and the creeks, the sky and the stars, the dirt and the grass; they all were dreamed up, made up, and held up by one landLORD.

Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”

And they speak. The earth, nature, the comsos … they speak of a beautiful design by a beautiful Designer.

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV)
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”

In the late 1800s an upstate New Yorker by the name of Maltbie Babcock would take frequent walks along the Niagara Escarpment to take in the beauty of creation. By his own account, as he would prepare for his outings he would tell his wife: “Katherine, I’m going out to see my Father’s world.”

Enjoy this hymn takes us for a stroll through God’s creation. In fact, take it with you outdoors today, hot or not, and be glad. For “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,
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 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:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

Jon Lilley | Worship Arts Pastor