Why do I feel discouraged, why do the shadows come
And why does my heart feel 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

So I sing because I’m happy
And 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

Songwriters: Mrs. Civilla Martin, along with Charles Gabriel, Sr. and Peter Matz
Performed by: Sandi Patty

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Perhaps the psalmist was in the same praise-filled frame of mind as Mrs. Martin the day she penned the poem which became this classic song.  David wrote,

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
Psalms 27:1-4

David knew, through his vast experience of being sought after to harm and kill by Saul and his men, that evil comes against us and that people will seek to hurt us…whether it be physically or emotionally, financially, or in other ways. But David sung his confession of trust in His God. He was assured that, because the Lord was his Light, his Salvation, his Stronghold—his Refuge and Strength—that he need not have fear.

Jesus spoke to His disciples, soon before He would be taken from them and crucified, telling them this Truth also. He endeavored to give them courage telling them of the great value that they had to His, and their, Father.

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).
Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground
without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice.
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:28-31

We, in our day and time, have the Scriptures to turn to and receive MUCH inspiration and encouragement! One of my most favorite passages is in the Book of Habakkuk. If you know this record, perhaps you are thinking “NOT the most inspiring record to pick, Coleen!” This short three chapters tell of worry and fear…except if you take it all together in context…including the praise of chapter 3!

The book of Habakkuk shows a picture of prideful people being humbled.  It reminds us that while God may seem silent, He always has a plan to deal with the evil and He always works out justice. Habakkuk the prophet gives a wonderful example encouraging us to wait on the Lord, expecting that He will indeed work all things out and that He always has a plan to take care of His people.

Here is the very last bit of the Book of Habakkuk:

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my Strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

As such should be our own confession and praise!  Just as the psalmist David and Mrs. Martin wrote of their own trust and confidence in God’s goodness, so should…so CAN…we.  ‘His eye IS on the sparrow…and I KNOW He watches me!’