Peace and Rest in the Stability of God

Photo by Nevada

 

I grew up in a traditional Presbyterian church that boasted big stained glass windows and a multi-tiered organ. (I’m not saying that’s where I am now.) One of my favorite childhood hymns was, “This Is My Father’s World.”

This Is My Father’s World

Maltie D. Babcock, 1901, Public Domain

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.

Two lines which keep reverberating in my heart are, “That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.” Tell me, when has the world not seen trouble? Trouble is ubiquitous. All my recent ancestors knew seasons of peril and deprivation. Times of peace are the anomaly. Nevertheless, through it all, the light of God’s love shines. He hasn’t lost track of us, and he still intercedes to bless us where we are. During the hard times I say, “This, too, shall pass.” During the good times I say, “God is so good.” God’s love is everywhere, and he saves to the uttermost those whose heart is open to recognize and receive his Son.

Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (ESV)

This morning, I invite everyone who may read this to draw near to God through Jesus his Son, so that the rest and peace we can find only in Christ may be ours in abundance.

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