Comment on a Hymn

'This Is My Father’s World'

This hymn begins by extolling the beauty of nature, the nature that God has created. The hymn writer paints a beautiful picture of the loveliness of the world all around us, a world that we can too easily rush past. And one thing that that we can miss in all of our busyness is that this world belongs to our Father. I suppose that we can take the next step and say that as His children, this world also belongs to us.

The writer is not some day-dreamer. He is aware of the evil that also inhabits our Father's world. But he is sure that this will be dealt with. In due time, Jesus will rule as Lord, and heaven and earth will be reunited, just like they were in the Garden.

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:

The battle is not done:

Jesus who died shall be satisfied,

And earth and Heav’n be one.