His Eye Is on the Sparrow

His Eye Is on the Sparrow is a beautiful hymn written by Civilla D. Martin and composed by Charles H. Gabriel.  This hymn was inspired by the scriptures, Matthew 6:26, 10:29-31, and a Christian couple, the Doolittle's.

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they? (Matthew 6:26)

Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

"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."

- Civilla D. Martin 

These words have brought me much comfort during my transition to college.  I have been at Asbury for almost three months now and it has been 6 weeks since I last saw my family.  Needless to say, homesickness has crept its way into my heart.  I'm fine when I'm with friends or my mind is busy, so I try to avoid solitude, however, I am forced to spend 13 hours a week alone in a practice room.  I started bringing my piano book of hymns and I came across His Eye Is on the Sparrow.  I was familiar with the hymn, but I never really thought much about it.  One line that struck me the most is, "Why should my heart be lonely... when Jesus is my portion?"  Total dependence on God is something that I long for.  Growing up with such wonderful parents, I was given everything I could possibly need.  Now that I am away from them, I have to rely on Someone greater; Someone who is always with me (That is not to say my parents aren't still here for me, but it's different 8 hours away).  So through this hymn and the words of God, I have discovered the beauty in homesickness and I would like to share with you the reasons why I am thankful for homesickness.

#1 I am thankful for a home and a family that I love so much, my heart literally feels heavy when we are separated.  Many are not this fortunate. I'm thankful that I have something to miss.

#2 I am thankful that I am offered a deeper relationship with God through homesickness.  He is teaching me that He is my portion, my constant Friend, my Guardian, my Leader, my Provider, and that I can depend on His love and care.

Read over these words and let them fill you with the hope and joy of a Savior who cares about us and let yourself be fully dependent on Him.  It is through dependence/surrender that we are free. 

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 words 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.

Peace and rest be with you all on this beautiful Sabbath. 

Love,

Emily