“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” ~ Matthew 10:29-31

In 1905, the joyful lives of a bedridden woman and her crippled husband inspired a songwriter to pen these words. Ethel Waters popularized this Gospel hymn :

“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.

“’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.

“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.”

Listen to the song performed by Ethel Waters.
Read the story behind “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Related Post: Facing Difficult Times

This image is available on Wikimedia Commons.