His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged and why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, a 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.

I sing because I’m happy; 
I sing because I’m free; 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

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

I sing because I’m happy; 
I sing because I’m free; 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted; whenever 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.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy; 
I sing because I’m free; 
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me.

“I know He watches me.” What a comforting thought; what a comforting truth. And with them comes both confidence and peace. Confidence knowing God’s got “this”–whatever “this” is.  And peace knowing God’s got you. This very moment you are in the hands of your loving heavenly Father. He’s watching over you. He cares for you. He promises to never leave you.  Yet the words of this beautiful song are not just wishful thinking; they aren’t just the cry of a heart hoping by some chance God will look its way. No. They are truth. They are words of life and love taken straight from the Word of God.

In the tenth chapter of the book of Matthew, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles. As He sends them out, He gives them instructions regarding what to bring and what to do. He also warns them not everyone will receive them and persecution will arise.  He reminds them that if people will persecute Him, then they will persecute His followers as well. Yet in addition to telling them what to bring and forewarning them being witnesses is not going to be a walk in the park,  Jesus gives them an important truth: no matter how bad it looks–no matter how much they are rejected, they are not to fear. Jesus tells them, “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:26‭-‬31).

Fear not, for you are more valuable than sparrows. What a life-giving truth from the mouth of our Lord! When you don’t know what step to take, fear not. When the truth you speak is met with scorn, fear not. When you feel alone in your desire for righteousness, fear not. Fear not, because God’s got you. Not a single word spoken to you or against you is a surprise to the One who watches over you. Not a single deed done has not been foreseen by your Father in heaven. Even though you may not like nor understand why people come against you or why your future appears rocky, you can trust that the God whose eye is on the sparrow is also watching over you.

And this is my encouragement to you today: God knows. He knows your heart, your hurt, your confusion. He knows what you’re going through. He knows it all.  And He’s got it all.  He’s got you. Even if you feel unnoticed and unloved, God sees you and God loves you.  He sees your desire to follow Him. He sees your desire for truth. He sees your determination to speak in the light what He has told you in the dark. And whether or not people receive you–whether or not circumstances go your way–God’s got you. He’s got it all.

Fear not what man can do to you, my friend.  Fear not the uncertainty of what may come. For no man has the power to send you to hell. No one and nothing on this earth could ever change your eternity if you are a follower of Jesus. So walk out the words of our Lord today with confidence: Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Walk with Him. Trust in Him. Follow His lead. And know that there is no need to be afraid–no need to dwell on the “what ifs” of this life. For the God who watches over sparrows is watching over you.