His Eye is on the Sparrow
Thursday, January 13, 2022 by Melissa McLaughlin

A Grandmother’s Faith

We called her Nanny. With a ready smile and sweet spirit she radiated an inner contentment, the peace that only God can provide. Nanny’s steadfast faith in Christ, despite illness and hardships, endeared her to me and all who knew her.

It was a thrill whenever she came to visit. However, with the passing of years, the pain in her waning body made it difficult to move about as she once did. She found delight reclining in a chair near our living room picture window, watching the squirrels scamper and frolic in the front yard. A simple, yet lovely way to pass the time and lift the heart.

I remember one visit in particular, when Nanny’s arthritis was flaring up so severely, she was unable to get out of bed except for short stretches of time. I asked her to play a matching card game with me while she rested in bed.

As a child, I thought this was fantastic fun playing a game on the bed with my grandmother! I didn’t care that she wasn’t out and about. I reveled in her presence, love and attentiveness.

Now that I am gaining experience with the aches and pains of an aging body, I am beginning to understand what a labor of love that was. To be in such pain you cannot get out of bed, yet joyfully play a card game with your grandchild in such a way to leave a cherished memory.

One of my grandmother’s favorite hymns was His Eye is on the Sparrow.

I have always loved this beautiful song, partly because it was one of Nanny’s favorites, but also because of the heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody and timeless scripture truth.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

When I learned the brief history behind the song, I realized how fitting it was that Nanny loved it so.

Civilla Martin, who wrote the lyrics, said of her inspiration to write the song, based on the scriptures:

Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, true saints of God.

Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.

One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience. (Quote from Wikipedia)

His Eye is on the Sparrow is based on the Bible verses recorded in Matthew 10:29-31– Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Of all God’s magnificent creatures, a sparrow is common, small and insignificant. Yet, the life of each tiny bird is precious in the sight of our Creator.

Wherever you are today, you are seen and treasured by the One who made you, loves you and died to save you.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Lyrics by Civilla Martin

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;

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do you have a tender memory of one of your grandparents? Or a cherished hymn or worship song? Please tell your story!

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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