Hymn Highlight: This is My Father’s World
Maltbie D. Babcock (1858-1901) was an American Presbyterian minister and hymn- writer. Babcock’s most famous and enduring hymn is This is My Father’s World. This is My Father’s World is a subtle reminder of the God’s creation and authority over the created authority. Not many songs exist that draw the congregation’s attention to God’s general revelation, how he has revealed himself to all people in creation. However, This is My Father’s World does just that.
Each stanza begins with this simple reminder: “This is my Father’s world.” In singing this line, the congregant gives due attention to the sovereignty of God over the world; God owns the world and God governs the world.
The first stanza is a reflection on Psalm 19:1-6. While nature does not contain enough knowledge to bring one to saving faith, it does cry out to the existence and majesty of God. “All nature sings...the music of the spheres.” The rocks and trees and skies and seas are the wonders of God.
The second stanza contains beautiful imagery of birds raising their morning carols to their Maker. God’s glory is on full display in his created order, even “in the rustling grass.” When considering the created order, our hearts must be tuned to the majesty of the Creator.
The final stanza is one of hope. Though God is the sovereign Creator and Governor of this world, we often forget about his presence. It is easy for us to be overcome when “the wrong seems oft so strong.” However, we must remember that God “is the ruler yet.” If God, the Creator and Sustainer of all that we see, rules over the world, we can rejoice even in times of great distress. God, though transcendent, has come near to us in Jesus Christ. On the grounds of our salvation, we’ve received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reminds us that this world is not our home, but it is our Father’s world. He is sovereign over every trial, so we can sing, with hope: “The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!”
In days of pandemic, polarization, and political turmoil, may this simple truth bring you to a sense of hopefulness: This is my Father’s world.