This morning on my bike ride, the hymn
This Is My Father's World kept popping into my head. The scenery was so beautiful. It was impossible not to see God's hand in the creation of it all.
I couldn't remember all the words, so when I got home I looked them up. I was surprised to see that the hymn comes from a much longer poem. Here it is in its entirety.
My Father’s World ~ Maltbie Davenport Babcock
This is my Father’s world.
On the day of its wondrous birth
The stars of light in phalanx bright
Sang out in Heavenly mirth.
This is my Father’s world.
E’en yet to my listening ears
All nature sings, and around 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 that 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.
From His eternal throne,
He watch doth keep when I’m asleep,
And I am not alone.
This is my Father’s world.
Dreaming, I see His face.
I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise
Cry, “The Lord is in this place.”
This is my Father’s world.
I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze
God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world.
Among the mountains drear,
‘Mid rending rocks and earthquake shocks,
The still, small voice I hear.
This is my Father’s world.
From the shining courts above,
The Beloved One, His only Son,
Came-a pledge of deathless love.
This is my Father’s world.
Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod,
No place but is holy ground.
This is my Father’s world.
His love has filled my breast,
I am reconciled, I am His child,
My soul has found His rest.
This is my Father’s world.
A wanderer I may roam,
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.
This is my Father’s world.
O let me ne’er forget
That tho’ 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 Heaven be one.
This is my Father’s world.
Should my heart be ever sad?
The lord is King-let the Heavens ring
God reigns-let the earth be glad.
The pictures are from my bike ride. The poem is from
Thought For Everyday Living by Maltbie Davenport Babcock.
