Worship and Arts by Young

Just as I was hearing the birds singing on my early morning walks, “This Is My Father’s World” rang through my ears. We enjoy seeing greens, smelling the scent of flowers, breathing fresh air, and listening to the carols of birds.

Of course, most of us enjoy being on the lake.  Sometimes we, however, feel there is NO space to add one more thing into our busy schedule, so we fail to take the time to see the beauty God has created for us to enjoy.

When birds sing, it makes people merry. When people make a joyful noise unto God, He will delight in our song.  Karl Barth, the great Reformed theologian, said that “Singing is the highest form of human expression.” Our heartfelt songs can be transformed to songs of praise, songs of prayers and songs of proclamation. Perhaps captured by a beautiful moment, Psalmist David exclaimed, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).

Enjoying seeing our Father’s world, Maltbie D. Babcock, the author of “This Is My Father’s World”, was also stirred in his heart to praise God.

While Babcock was serving First Presbyterian Church in Lockport, New York, a few miles east of Niagara Falls and a few miles south of Lake Ontario, he enjoyed running a couple of miles to a hill, seeing Lake Ontario in the distance. Leaving for running, he would say, “I’m going to see my Father’s world.” It is said that these runs inspired him to write the words to “This Is My Father’s World.” The original poem consists of sixteen stanzas and each stanza begins with the words, “This is my Father’s world.”

Not surprisingly, this hymn has been many people’s favorite. Does this hymn bring any reminiscence to you? I recall exciting moments from my home church’s annual picnic in Korea. It was held every summer on a mountain, opening with singing “This Is My Father’s World,” hearing the carols of birds and breathing fresh air,. Therefore, I could sense what the author meant in his text and through experience. This hymn was also acknowledged by Ken Burns, a legendary documentary filmmaker. He used an instrumental version of “This Is My Father’s World” for his recent documentary series, The National Parks – America’s Best Idea.

How often we simply miss out pleasing God because we dash in every direction, getting our To-Do list done or catching up on our busy schedule!  WHAT IF we take moment, stirring in our hearts to praise God and claim that we are ONE in gathered community?  Shall we join the nature’s singing?  

Soli Deo Gloria

Young Chung