Based on headlines, we might conclude this world belongs to chaos, harm, and despair. We do live in uncertain, though not unprecedented, times; uncertainty is a hallmark of human existence. But these words echo from another uncertain age: “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.” God’s rule is such that He can bring life and healing even from uncertainty and death.
“This Is My Father’s World” has been a favorite hymn of mine because it emphasizes God’s ownership and control of the world. When I started writing poems based on Christian hymns, I knew pretty quickly I’d include it.
This poem is in my new collection, Voiceless Choirs: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. I pray it conveys the safety and care we can find in our Father who loves us.
If you’d like to listen to the original hymn, this version by the Norton Hall Band is worth listening to: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LeJw_Lm9ohY.
This Is My Father’s World
The globe holds everything
in its curving embrace:
streams birthed by rain and mountain snow,
mice nesting in coiled brambles,
waves curling up on beaches,
and the eagle circling
on secret, solitary winds
while the earth itself
is nestled among spheres
singing through orbits
around the solar system’s
sacred heart
the sun,
wreathed by fiery thorns
that spill their brazen dance
into every void and shadow.
A Wandering Minstrel 