The Wonder of God's Nature

                It’s a Monday morning, and you wake up late. Missing the bus, you have no choice but to walk to school. As you start off your mood is sour and intolerable; you are angry for wasting a few minutes out of your day walking to school. However, as time progresses you realize how clear the air is this morning, how pretty the sunrise is reflecting off of the reservoir, and your mood begins to lighten up. By the time you reach school you admit to yourself that the walk was a blessing, a peaceful time to contemplate your life, surrounded by God’s creation.

               My favorite hymn is “This Is My Father’s World,” written by Maltbie Davenport Babcock. Living in Lockport, New York, Babcock would frequently stroll along the Niagara Escarpment and enjoy the overlook of Lake Ontario and upstate New York’s scenery. Before leaving, he would tell his wife, “I am going to see the Father’s world.” Every morning when I rise I sing the first and last stanza to this mighty hymn. The lyrics go as follows:

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. 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.

                I have learned that if one starts off their morning singing and praising God’s name, and thanking him for his creation it puts you in better spirits the rest of the day. His wonderful works are visible everywhere; even in a world full of evil and sin, as the last stanza to “This Is My Father’s World” says, he is among us. Begin your day with a prayer to God, thanking him for his mercy and the beautiful world that he has given us. Study his word, and acclaim his name, and you will be blessed.