Killer Sparrows

VesperSparrowA sparrow is a common bird.

Not really much about it to catch attention … or inspire interest.

Sparrows are listed as the most common bird in the world, … and in many places sparrows are considered a nuisance.

So it could be a bit of a surprise to discover the life of a sparrow has much value … at all.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:29-31

My granddaughter and I are learning a song about sparrows. As I practice the lyrics, Holy Spirit takes me deeper and deeper into the love the Father has for me. Let me open the door of my classroom.

It was early in the year 1905 that Civilla Martin and her husband were traveling in New York State. They met and became fast friends with a couple named Doolittle whom they describe as “true saints of God.”

Mr. Doolittle was “an incurable cripple” taking himself to and from work in a wheelchair. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nearly 20 years. 
 
Despite their afflictions, the Doolittles bore a bright hopefulness and when asked the reason for it, Mrs. Doolittle offered a simple reply. “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
 
The Martins were moved by the beautiful simplicity of her expression of their boundless faith. The next day Civilla Martin sent the poem she’d penned to Charles Gabriel who wrote the music to accompany it. 
 
His Eye is on the Sparrow
 
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
These are serious questions I have to ask myself.
What place does discouragement have in my life?
Where do shadows appear throughout my days?
What place does loneliness have in my heart?
Why do I find myself longing for heaven?
These reactions all make sense when I consider this fallen world,
BUT
when I remember that Jesus is my portion, my lot, my eternal inheritance, my
reliable companion, and my faithful confidante, the burdens, hindrances, and
distractions that plague me vanish.

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

          God must be keeping a close eye on me since Scripture declares He values my 
          life far more than that of a common sparrow whose days He manages.

I sing because I’m happy, 
          I’m joyous in the Truth that Jesus is mine and I am His.
I sing because I’m free, 
          I’m free to live the abundant life my Savior earned for me.
For His eye is on the sparrow,

          His will accounts for the life of every single, little sparrow.
And I know He watches me.

God oversees my life according to the value He gives it.

If you’re fighting off discouragement, shadows, loneliness, or longings of any kind, maybe you could use some good, old-fashioned uplifting too.

I’m asking the LORD to bless every reader during this Resurrection season!
If you’ve been encouraged, pass this on to a friend.

For that matter, Miss Mae and I are enjoying the song!
Care to learn it with us?

2 comments

  1. Beautiful song and application to my life. “I am free to live the abundant Life my Savior gave for me.”

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