His Eye is On the Sparrow

Yesterday, I needed gas in my car. I mean, it was empty. I swiped my debit card at the pump. Declined. I swiped my credit card. Declined. I swiped my never used back-up debit card. Declined. I thought I had no money in any of my accounts. I had three one-dollar bills. I bought less than a gallon of gas to get me home. I contemplated what I should do - call Mom and ask for a loan? Tell my boss and ask to borrow a few dollars? Not go to class or work until pay day?

But, I remembered to be thankful. I quickly turned from near-panic to trust. I remembered the sparrow.

I went home, read, ate, and finally (and calmly) checked my account balance. All was well. All is grace. A malfunctioning gas pump sent me to Jesus' feet. How can I not be thankful for moments and circumstances that bring me near to His presence?

And even if I had completely depleted my bank accounts? Still thankful. Still trusting. His eye never leaves me. El Roi!

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;

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.

“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;

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.

by Civilla D. Martin

For more on sparrows:

Psalm 84 - Even the sparrow finds a home in the dwelling place of the Lord.

Matthew 10 & Luke 12 - Not one (almost) valueless sparrow falls without the Lord seeing it. And I am of much more value than a sparrow.