Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal

History, Meaning, and Spiritual Significance of a Beloved Christian Hymn

“This Is My Father’s World” is one of the most uplifting hymns in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (#92). Celebrated for its joyful recognition of God as Creator, the hymn invites believers to see the world as a reflection of God’s love, power, and beauty. Its message encourages trust and peace, reminding us that despite the presence of sin and struggle, God remains in control of His creation.

This article provides the true history, biblical foundation, and spiritual meaning of this classic hymn.

What Is This Is My Father’s World?
“This Is My Father’s World” is a Christian hymn that celebrates God’s sovereignty over creation. The lyrics reflect a sense of wonder as the singer observes nature—skies, birds, flowers, and landscapes—and recognizes God’s voice within them.

The hymn emphasizes:
God as Creator and Sustainer
The beauty and order of nature
Trust in God despite the presence of evil
Hope rooted in the assurance that “God is the ruler yet”

Its gentle melody and poetic imagery make it a favorite for worship, nature-themed services, children’s programs, and personal devotion.

True Historical Background
Author: Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858–1901)
The text was written by Rev. Maltbie D. Babcock, an American Presbyterian minister known for his love of nature, poetry, and pastoral care.

Inspiration
Babcock lived near Lake Ontario in New York. He frequently took long morning walks, telling his wife he was going out to “see my Father’s world.” These nature walks inspired the poem that later became the hymn.

Publication
Babcock wrote the poem in the late 1800s, but it was published posthumously in 1901 after his sudden death while traveling to the Holy Land.

The poem originally contained 16 stanzas.
In 1915, Franklin L. Sheppard adapted several of the stanzas into the hymn form we know today and composed the tune “Terra Beata” (“Blessed Earth”).

Musical Adaptation
Tune: “Terra Beata”
Composer/Arranger: Franklin L. Sheppard
Year: 1915

The melody has a pastoral, serene quality, perfectly complementing Babcock’s nature-inspired poetry.
Biblical Themes and Inspiration

The hymn echoes several biblical passages:
Psalm 24:1 – “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
Psalm 19:1–4 – Creation declares the glory of God.
Matthew 6:26–30 – God cares for the birds and flowers.
Romans 8:21–22 – Creation awaits redemption.
It blends creation theology with confidence in God’s sovereignty, even in a broken world.

Meaning of the Lyrics

1. Celebration of Creation
The hymn opens with joyful recognition that the world belongs to God. Every sound and sight in nature points to His craftsmanship.

2. God’s Presence in Nature
Babcock emphasizes that God speaks through creation—birds, wind, light, and beauty.

3. Assurance Amid Struggle
The hymn acknowledges that the world contains wrong and injustice, yet it affirms:
“God is the ruler yet.”
This assurance encourages faith, peace, and hope in God’s eternal rule.