Your Father’s World

Hiking was a favorite hobby for Maltbie Babcock. Born on this day in 1858, he relished these excursions as a break from his duties in the ministry. After becoming pastor of a church in Lockport, New York, his walks took him through particularly beautiful farms and orchards, as well as along Lake Ontario.

As he departed to go on these walks, he was known to declare, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.” These thoughts overflowed in his heart one day as he wrote words that later were matched with music to become the hymn, “This Is My Father’s World.”

He wrote, “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.” He rested in the “thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.”

He praised God for His handiwork. The songs of birds, the morning light, and the lilies all “declare their Maker’s praise.” He felt God’s presence, and said He “speaks to me everywhere.”

While recognizing sin in the world, he prayed that “though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” His heart never was sad because “the Lord is King; let the heavens ring!” Because “God reigns,” the earth could “be glad!”

Today, remember that “the earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains” (Psalm 24:1). He is the Creator, and this is His world. He delights to bless His children with abundance from His storehouse.

Trust in Him, and let Him give you His peace. It is His desire for you to share in His abundance. Praise Him! And dedicate yourself to making His goodness known!