"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 all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:31).

Brooksyne and I enjoy bird-watching. We have a variety of feeders and birdhouses all around our property. Yesterday for our anniversary we bought two more feeders and have already set them out with feed and the birds found them right away.  One is hanging only about four feet from our office window so that we're able to watch the birds feed as we work.

We also have a birdhouse with baby sparrows but they sure aren't very photogenic! The sparrows made their nest in a birdhouse intended for blue birds. The nest is built up about 6" deep so we can barely see the birds through the opening.  I still tried to take a photo pointing the camera angle down into the small hole. 

Jesus often used observations from nature to teach spiritual truths.  He used the sparrow to illustrate God's care for all of His creation, teaching His people a truth we all need to be regularly reminded of.  "So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." 

The great doctrine of providence states that God is superintending over all of His creation in every way at all times.  He's got each single hair on every head counted (present tense) and not a single bird falls without His knowledge.  The Westminster Catechism states, "God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to His own glory."

Today many of you are dealing with personal issues that bring on fear and anxiety.  When I take the time to stop and really consider my emotions I realize that I experience fear and anxiety when I'm not trusting and believing what God has said. 

Perhaps today you will want to proclaim the Scripture verbally and personalize this truth, "I will not be afraid, for I am worth more than many sparrows."  And you sure are!

Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely, And long for heav'n 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 feasting 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.

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. *


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer:  Jesus, it seems that fear and anxiety are the natural responses to life's uncertainties. Much like a computer has a default function when it is not otherwise programmed to a different response, my emotional default seems to be fear and anxiety.  But You want us to trust You for all that we have need of; whether it is material, spiritual, relational or physical needs that we are dealing with.  If You are concerned about the things that most people are incapable of knowing or choose to ignore, how can we doubt Your interest in the matters that concern us greatly.  Worrying increases our stress and brings about fear and doubt, while trusting increases our faith and brings about assurance and peace.  Help me not to doubt that Your eye is on me every moment of every day.

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"His Eye Is On the Sparrow" – Brooksyne has prepared a page with the words along with the background story that led the writer, Civilla Martin, to write the hymn.  I believe it will bless you and may be of encouragement to someone who is experiencing loss or chronic illness if you want to download it and share it with others.  Brooksyne often uses these hymn stories to encourage others. (pdf)

* "His eye on the sparrow" Martin, Civilla D. / Gabriel, Charles H. © Public Domain CCLI License No. 2005306
Three online audio versions of this song are available today, each in a different style.  1    2    3

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