[003] MESSAGE FROM A POEM – A SIMPLE FARMER’S DITTY
You will note that each line of the poem ends with the “ay” rhyme.
The following poem is simple in structure but an attempt to relate to the simplicity of the land. I used to spend my holidays as an early teenager on the land with a farming family. I think some of that appeal remains with me. The word of God tells us that the whole of nature including the firmament, displays the handiwork of God.
In a chaotic world where people are ever struggling to regain some sort of simplicity and contentment, the wonderful aspects of the beautiful world with nature, are being more and more realized. Nature shows order and beauty and though it has the appearance of simplicity at first glance, there is wonderful detail of complexity reflecting God’s intricate design.
If God’s created work can be so beautiful in the physical world, how wonderful then, is the new creation He undertakes in the life of a Christian! This is a simplistic poem and was not meant to be complex. It is a light-hearted look at a generalised farm life. My idea was that the poem could be used with kids in an understanding of God’s care and the natural world. It can be accompanied by sketches and illustrations and used as a talk, even featured in a book.
Israel was an agrarian society and so much of it was associated with the land. God’s blessings were always in the land, for the Jews were an earthly people. When they sinned, God touched the land and droughts and famine were the signal God was displeased.
The following two quotes demonstrate God’s action against the sin of His people -
{{Ezekiel 14:13 “Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it, and cut off from it both man and beast,”}}
{{Leviticus 26:23-25” If by these things you are not turned to Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with hostility against you, and I, even I, will strike you seven times for your sins. I will also bring upon you a sword which will execute vengeance for the covenant, and when you gather together into your cities, I will send pestilence among you, so that you shall be delivered into enemy hands.”}}
Please use the poem or part of it if it suits your ministry.
A SIMPLE FARMER’S DITTY
I thank the Lord for this new day.
I thank the Lord - You lead my way.
I thank the Lord I can make hay.
Thank You, Lord, I can ride the dray.
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Praise the Lord for Nature’s way.
Praise God for the birds’ display.
Praise Him for the stars’ array.
Praise Him for the sunshine’s ray.
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Keep me safe, Lord, unless I stray,
Like lost cows, wandered from the way.
Keep the enemy, Lord, at bay,
Like fighting dogs kept from the fray.
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Praise the Lord for Nature’s way.
Praise God for the birds’ display.
Praise Him for the stars’ array.
Praise Him for the sunshine’s ray.
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To God’s glory, the horses neigh.
To God’s glory, the donkeys bray.
And for God’s glory, I can say,
“Praise to the lord, so come what may.”
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Praise the Lord for Nature’s way.
Praise God for the birds’ display.
Praise Him for the stars’ array.
Praise Him for the sunshine’s ray.
16 September, 1997 R E Ferguson 8-8-8-8 and 7-7-7-7