The Sparrow

Today is Wednesday -- that day in the middle of the week which I always looked forward to -- that day when the family of God would meet together and hearts would be lifted in praise to God as we lifted our voices in joyous song, prayed together, were blessed by the testimonies of the saints, and challenged by the devotional from our pastor.  But as I thought about missing these things, I thought about a bird -- a song -- and each one of us individually.

The sparrow is a very small, tiny bird, and is mostly colored pale brown and grey.  I guess you would describe him as being very simplistic -- no beautiful colors or sweet singing voice.  But Jesus said --
     "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."  Civilla Martin penned the words to this song that blesses and encourages my heart today.
This is her account of the writing of this song --

     "Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York.  We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle -- true saints of God.  Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years.  Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair.  Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.  One day while we were visiting with the Doolittle's, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it.  Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: 'His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.'  The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me.'  The hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience."

     "Why should I be 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.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

      Let not your heart be troubled, His tender words I hear;
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear.
      Though by the path He leadeth -- but one step I may see,
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

      When ever I am tempted, when ever clouds arise --
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
      I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

      I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."