“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” -Matthew 10:29-31
The scriptures are filled with poignant reminders of God’s love for us. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, we find Jesus preparing the disciples to go and teach the world about God’s kingdom. Jesus knows they will face difficult times, just like each of us faces struggles. Jesus tells them, over and over, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus wants us to know that we will encounter trials, but we are not alone. We are cared for by our God, who loves us.
Civilla D. Martin was a hymn writer who lived in the early 20th century. She had become friends with a couple in New York. The Doolittles were a deeply faithful couple who lived joyful lives in their modest home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle wrestled with their health. Mrs. Doolittle was bedridden for many years, while Mr. Doolittle required the use of a wheelchair for mobility. Despite their physical struggles, they projected a contagious joy and peace.
One day, while visiting the Doolittles, Civilla Martin asked them the secret to their happiness. Mr. Doolittle spoke up with a strong and simple faith, saying, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” It was a simple response that inspired a deeper understanding of God’s love for His children. That evening, Civilla D. Martin sat down and wrote the hymn that has been sung in churches around the world and recorded by some of the greatest singers in the past two centuries.
The words that Civilla wrote in 1905 speak to our hearts and remind us that in the darkest of times, our God is with us and cares for us. This is a reminder that each of us needs from time to time. Because we are God’s good creation, we have value. Because God has called us his children, we understand that God’s love is for us. We have not been abandoned to endure the trials of this world alone.
“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.”
As we begin this week, let us do so with joy and peace, for we “are worth more than many sparrows” and our Heavenly Father is with us.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
