By Melissa McLaughlin
With each passing week it seems my heart sinks a little lower as I witness evil on every side, in ways large and small, near and far, both within and without.
On a recent walk at a nearby park, as the heaviness pressed in on me, I cried out for my heavenly Father to fill me with His peace.
Not all at once, but little by little, step by step, breath by breath, the Holy Spirit turned my eyes to the touch of our Creator all around. The Living God, in all His majesty, beauty, grandeur, tenderness, joy and holiness on full display in His Creation.
As my feet continued along, another gift from the Lord was the final verse of an old hymn that floated through my mind and then echoed over and over again like a favorite recording set on repeat. I couldn’t remember the whole song, only bits and pieces…
This is my Father’s world…
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere…
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.
From the delicate symmetry of the flowers, to the mighty strength of the tree trunk reaching high, to the peaceful lapping of the lake at the water’s edge, to the turtles cheerily sunning themselves on the rocks, to the song of the birds at full volume. The Holy Spirit reminded me again and again, this world is the work of God’s hand.
Every single detail of this magnificent creation is His. The Most High God was our beginning and He will be our end. And for those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, we are assured a place in heaven. So for us, the best is yet to come! In the time being, His indwelling Spirit is with us until the day we breathe our last or He comes to take us home.
In God’s Word, we are taught and prepared that followers of Jesus will face trials. May we be found faithful! The hard times are the proving ground of our faith. We are struck down but not destroyed.
So hold on tight to Him, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Though earthly rulers and kingdoms rise and fall, God is the Ruler yet!
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
I invite you to pause and take a walk with me through my photos below. May God refresh your vision as He did mine that day. How He gently but firmly reminded me that He is still God. As you “walk” with me, I pray you enjoy all the lyrics to this beautiful, powerful hymn of faith, as well.
This is My Father’s World by Maltbie D. Babcock
This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning 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:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world:
Oh, 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.
Sung here on the album 60 Classic Hymns – Mike Curb Congregation
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Malachi 3:6a – For I am the Lord, I change not.
Additional Resources
From Clay to Heaven – Be Amazed By Your God! by Melissa McLaughlin
When it Doesn’t Make Sense – by Melissa McLaughlin
When the Spring of My Heart is Overdue By Melissa McLaughlin
Amen, I love your words, It made me think of this song;
https://youtu.be/AKJ6dmKV0Gc
Thank you, Sam, for stopping by and for the words of encouragement! I have always loved the moving harmonies of the group Selah. And this song is deeply beautiful. Complements this message so well. Thank you for sharing! In Jesus’ name, we press on!
Beautiful pictures! I love nature too. God speaks so clearly to me when I am outside. God bless you, dear Melissa!
Thank you, Meghan! As you know, I can only take credit for holding the camera. God’s beauty and glory rings out day after day. May we have eyes to see and ears to hear above the evil and confusion of our noisy world. Blessings to you!
Wherever you live, it is beautiful! I live in a small town with a creek and pond nearby. There’s a walking path that goes right up against the pond, and a muskrat lives there! We rarely get to see the little guy, but when we catch a glimpse, it’s always a treat. We have also ducks that use the pond and often have their families there. It is a blessing to live near a little slice of God’s natural world. Getting out in nature helps to get our minds off the sadness elsewhere in society today. Thank you for the reminder that it truly is our Father’s world!
God’s world is such a treat! I loved hearing about the creek, pond, muskrat and ducks near your home. God’s creation brings us closer to His beauty and glory and also reminds us that One who is the source of such goodness is good. As we watch our world sink lower, may our eyes look outward and upward. This is our Father’s world!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. God blesses us in each moment with His glorious creations.
It’s true Melissa, God’s glorious creations are such a blessing for every moment. Praying I have eyes to see these blessings strewn all about before me.
I love the images! God’s world is so beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you, Nancy! God is the true artist, I am grateful to simply have a way to share His beauty. May His magnificent creation remind us He is a magnificent God!
I felt my spirit lifting as I read your words and looked at your photos. I love how God used His beautiful creation to touch your heart as you felt His presence. Sometimes those older hymns really speak words of comfort. Thank you so much for helping my soul too. Keep up the wonderful work.
I agree, Yvonne! Some of those older hymns are soothing to the soul. God blessed me with gentle comfort and sweet beauty that day. Thanking God that it was a lift to your heart, too. What a good, good Father! Bless you, dear sister!
Beautiful, Missy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Darlene! I appreciate you taking the time to read and join me on this “walk” in God’s beautiful world. May we rest in the knowledge of God’s sovereign power and abiding love. God bless you, dear sister!
Love this. God bless!
Glory to God! Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words, Dee. May we rest in God’s deep and abiding love. Blessings to you and yours!
Thank you! ❤
I remember singing this song as a child and it often comes back to me as a reminder that God created this world. I like to gaze upon the beauty around me and think on HIM. Thank you for sharing.
I love it when the Holy Spirit stirs our minds and spirits to bring back the old hymns and choruses from childhood. They are anchored deep within us and carry many memories and solid truths from God’s Word. May we lift our eyes to the hills where our help comes from! Thank you for reading and sharing your experiences. Blessings to you!
Beautiful, Melissa. You have a way with words…you are gifted, friend. I remember singing the hymn, “This is my Father’s World,” but honestly had forgotten about it. I love the great outdoors and the Lord’s creation. I just don’t see how anyone can not believe in a Creator when His masterpiece is all around us like from your photos.
Glory to God, the Giver of all gifts! Thank you for the kindness and support, dear Karen. It means more than you can imagine. I agree with you, God’s creation speaks, shouts and sings to us day after day of His power, sovereignty and goodness. When I gaze upon even one tiny detail of a blade of grass or the makings of a flower, I cannot believe anyone could deny the existence of God, an amazing and good God. May the Holy Spirit continue to put songs in our hearts, minds and spirits and lift our vision to the Lord to anchor us in His greatness which is far above this world. God bless you and yours!
Amen Sister in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Melissa!!
Love Always, YSIC \o/
Kristi
The Lord bless you, sister!
The pictures are beautiful! I’m feeling the need to take that walk! 🙂 Thank you for the beautiful lift toward peace from your words. These are challenging times. It’s affecting people in all sorts of ways. Some good, others not so good.
It’s true, Marcie. This are very difficult times and it impacts all of us. May our faith in Christ lift our vision to see the hills where our help comes from. Our help comes from the Lord the Maker of the heavens and earth. May we rest in His power and powerful love. God bless you!
Dear Melissa,
Thank you for taking us along with you on your beautiful “walk!” And thank you for reminding us of that beautiful hymn. What a precious truth to cling to, when all around feels so dark, our Lord is still holding this world in His hands. Blessings to you dear friend. I needed to rest with your precious words tonight.
Dear Bettie,
Thank you for joining me on this virtual walk! God’s creation never ceases to bring wonder and joy, if we can be release our mental grip on the darkness of this world. Some of those old hymns of the faith really carry me. May God lift your vision tonight and give you a special touch of comfort, encouragement and hope, dear sister!
Beautiful words and beautiful photographs to remind us of our God who made this beautiful world. Our Father’s world.
One glance at this magnificent creation and we remember, our Creator is vast beyond our understanding or tracing out. Immeasurable greatness. And to think that One so great would set His affections on ones so small. A great God with a great love.
So very beautiful Melissa…both the photos and the message. The passages you chose from scripture are passages that speak to our hearts right now. We are so in need of encouragement in these days. The beauty we find in nature is such a comfort; God has made a beautiful world for us to live in. I just love those little turtles!!!
It’s true Linda! There is much comfort in God’s beautiful world. And it reminds us, that our Creator and LORD is much, much bigger than all the strife among the people of the world. May we rest in His greatness and His great love for us.
As always, a truly thoughtful and very inspiring message.
May God continue to
Thank you, dear Kari Grace! May God’s gentle yet powerful touch bring you comfort and joy.
Really beautiful, bringing my thoughts to our holy Savior whom is our creator. When I look out my windows all I can think of is how great our creator is. Melissa this article brings my heart and spirit closer to God. Lastly as usual give me more.
Praise God! Thank you, N.E. for taking the time to read and share your insights. Our Savior is truly an amazing Creator. What a good, good Father! May we have eyes to see His hand at work more and more. God bless you!