Why Should My Heart Be Sad?

This is my Father's world, 

and to my listening 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.  

O let me ne'er forget 

that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 

God is the ruler yet.  

This is my Father's world:  

why should my heart be sad?  

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Maltbie D. Babcock