As clear as tho it happened yesterday, I remember standing to the right of my desk in my first grade classroom. We were singing the hymn, what has now become a favorite, “This is My Father’s World.” My teacher, Mrs. Juarez, sang each verse with us, from our Abeka work book. While I do not remember who the class mates were that stood to my right or left, I know for sure I was wearing my favorite Buster Brown, brown leather t-strap shoes and all was right with the world.
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.
How little I knew of what was to come. That little 6 yr old brown eyed girl had no knowledge of the heart break and sadness, sickness, war, disease and poverty that was on the horizon, or what had already happened in our world. No, life was simple and I could see his goodness in my existence.
But here I am at 42, and things are no longer as easy as wearing my favorite shoes. Often I find myself gazing heavenward, still believing this is His world, but wondering what in the world is He planning? In my own little place here, among friends and family, there is unreasonable illness, friends in poverty barely providing for their family, death of loved
ones – just to name a few afflictions. And do I dare even mention on a wider scale – the evil in our world that threatens our very existence, wars and shootings and plots against everything good and right and holy.
While sin and death are still a part of this world, His world, we will not escape the heartbreak. I don’t pretend to understand exactly what He is waiting for – I’d prefer He come back now – but, I do know He will keep His promise. He will come again. And with His return, everything that was so wrong will be made right. In the meantime, He promises to be with us in our grief and our pain. He is with us in the here and now of this world He created – He will not leave us alone without hope or comfort.
In the mean time -Matthew 5 makes big promises we can cling to for dear life.
3Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Thank you Heavenly Father for meeting us here, in this world you created – and for always being present in the middle of our questions and our needs. For all of us who believe, we join our hearts together and say, “Come back soon.” Amen.
daily portion 