This is my Father’s World

I am so thankful for my piano that my husband, Bob, bought for me when we were newly married.  It is very refreshing for me to sit and play various worship songs I have learned over the years.  It is an important part of my daily routine.

There are two songs that are staples that I play and sing.  One is an old hymn entitled, “This Is My Father’s World” written by Maltbie Babcock in 1901. It is based on Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”  It was set to music in 1815 by Franklin Sheppard, a close friend of Babcock’s.  The song is a reminder to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful world and all of nature that our Father has given us. 

The song talks about various things in nature in which we can see God’s handiwork and feel His love; such as the morning light, the bird’s songs, the flowers and trees.  The last stanza declares:

“This is my Father’s world, O let me never 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 heaven be one.”

I like to sing that through a second time ending with, “And earth and heaven be “won”. This helps me get everything going on these days in perspective.

Another song I love is “Let the Rain of Your Presence” by Danny Chambers. This one I sing more as a prayer. The words are:

“Let the rain of Your presence fall on me, every day that I live, with every breath I breath;
Let the rain of Your presence fall on me, everywhere that I go, Lord, let Your presence flow,
Rain on me.  Love divine, joy unspeakable, overflowing in my soul;
This heart of mine is refreshed and at rest in Your presence.”

These songs calm my spirit and help me focus on the reality that God is in charge of everything around me and concerning me.  He has me here for a purpose and is with me at all times. That is so encouraging when different things come up that challenge me. It helps me keep both a positive mood and mindset as I go throughout the day.  Knowing that God, Who orders the universe, will guide my decisions and allow situations to work out for the highest good.  What can be better than that? We can find solace in nature God has given us to enjoy.  Then, when we’ve experienced His comfort, we can extend it to others.

When and how have you been comforted by God?