I was working out in the yard the other day when a tiny sparrow landed on the ground just a few feet from me. I watched as it moved its head around and then flew off with lightning speed. I was reminded of the passage in Matthew 10, which states that God keeps his eye on every sparrow and how he watches us even more closely. What a comfort to know that wherever we are or what experiences we are going through, we can rest assured that he is attentively observing every moment of our life. There might be times when we are lonely, but there will never be a time when we are alone.
I remember years ago watching the Billy Graham crusades and Ethel Waters singing “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” I went back and watched it recently, and it still brings tears to my eyes. The opening lyrics are, “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. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” Such beautiful words and a very comforting truth reminding us that God is never too busy and never forgets us. Psalm 121:2-3 declares, “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will never slumber or sleep.”
An interesting backstory to this song reveals how this popular hymn came to be written. Civilla Martin was born in Nova Scotia in 1866 and became a devout follower of Christ. Her husband was an evangelist, and they traveled together all over the United States holding revivals, singing and preaching the Gospel. In 1904, Civilla was visiting a friend who had fallen seriously ill and was bedridden. Although weak and discouraged, her friend testified that her heavenly Father was watching each little sparrow very attentively and she was convinced that he would also watch after her. She quoted the Scripture in Matthew about the sparrows. With Mrs. Martin being a poet, the inspiration became a perfect idea for a poem. She jotted down her thoughts and, by the end of the day, had completed “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The poem was sent to a well-known composer of that day, Charles Gabriel, and his lovely melody has since then carried this encouraging message around the world.
When I write, I not only pray that God will give me the words to relay, but that he will direct those to read the message he has appointed for them. These divine connections are the result of a Savior who loves us and desires to help us. Psalm 121:7-8 promises, “The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
I enjoy talking to God when I’m by myself. It’s a wonderful contentment to share my personal thoughts and feelings with him and to have an awareness that his presence is listening. I will admit there have been times when I’ve been in difficult situations and wondered why he would allow me to fall into such a serious crisis. However, even when we are suffering, he is a constant companion and never fails to respond on our behalf.