Rubeis, Mary

Scripture: Isaiah 45:18 (NKJV) – “For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord , and there is no other.”

Message: God created this beautiful world for us to enjoy, the birds, the water, the flowers, the trees, the fields and the woods. Many of our hymns reflect all this. One such hymn is “How Great Thou Art” written by a Swede, Carl Bober, in 1885 (based on Deuteronomy 33:26 and Psalm 8) and later translated and extended with two more verses by British Methodist Missionary Stuart Hine in 1949. All four verses tell us of God’s creation. The second verse explores nature as God’s creation with images of woods, forest glades, singing birds, grand lofty mountains, sounds of brooks and the feel of gentle breezes. And the chorus “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art.” is a prayer of gratitude to God that we are thankful for all He gives us each day.

Growing up on a farm in Ohio I was made aware of this by my father. At a very young age he asked me to take a walk with him to the woods. He loved the woods. He showed me all the flowers blooming and said “Let’s sit on this log and be real still.” Then he said “Listen to the birds singing.” What a nice way to teach a child. Such a wonderful memory. I would hope each and every one would take a walk through the woods and enjoy the peace and beauty it gives us.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, our souls sing out to You “How Great Thou Art” in thanksgiving for all You provide for us each day. Help us to be more aware and to take care of Your precious gifts. Amen.

Mary Rubeis

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