Eyes On The Sparrow

– Ponderings:

How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young, at thy altars,

O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise!”

(Psalm 84:1-4).

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).

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the path of discipleship. In Matthew 10, he prepares his followers for real challenges. But in the middle of this hard teaching, he offers one of the most comforting images in all of Scripture: God notices every sparrow, and we are worth so much more. That line reminds us that God cares for us even in times of uncertainty or hardship.

This promise echoes beautifully in the hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Written in a season of trial, it carries the testimony of quiet, confident faith:

Let not your heart be troubled,
His tender word 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.

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.

Civilla Martin wrote these words after visiting an ill friend. She came to comfort her friend, but her friend comforted her by reminding her of Jesus’ words from Matthew 10. Even as God loves and cares for the sparrows, she knew God loved her much more. Because of her certainty in God’s love, she could sing … even when she felt discouraged, lonely, or afraid.

This kind of faith isn’t about denying difficulty. It’s about choosing to trust that, no matter our circumstances, God cares for us. When Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid,” he’s not commanding a feeling; he’s inviting us into trust. He’s calling us to remember that we are never outside God’s loving attention.

Have you ever spoken to someone to comfort them, only to receive the gift of comforting and encouraging words from them? It’s happened to me many times. Sometimes our own pain, fears, and doubts give us the greatest opportunity to offer words of encouragement and comfort to others.

So today, whatever your path may hold, if you’re feeling unseen or anxious, walk with trust and confidence. Your steps are seen. Your soul is known. You are held by the One who never loses sight of even a single sparrow. And, if the opportunity presents itself, remind someone else that the same is true for them.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your watchful eye and loving heart. Help me live today with boldness and peace, knowing that I am never out of your care. Amen.