For those who love old gospel hymns, no study would be complete without a look at this traditional favorite.  ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’ [Copyright, Public Domain 1986, Christian World Inc] was written in 1905 by a lady named Civilla D. Martin and put to music by composer Charles H. Gabriel.  It has since become a staple of the southern churches and a favorite with evangelicals everywhere. Ethel Waters used the title for her autobiography.  The song has been performed by notable gospel, blues, and jazz artists like Marvin Gaye, Jessi Colter, and the Soul Stirrers, among others, with one incredible rendition in the movie Sister Act 2.  Below are the lyrics to this beautiful song.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows fall
Why should 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.

And 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.

Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and my fears
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. 

The theme of the song is based on the teachings of Jesus in the book of Matthew.  In chapter 6:26-34,    Jesus exhorts us not to worry, that God will take care of us.  He says God provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field; and we are worth so much more.  Certainly He will take care of us as well.  Later, in chapter 10:28-31,  He expands the lesson by explaining that a sparrow can’t fall to the ground without God knowing it.  How can we think anything is happening to us that He does not know about? Even the hairs on our heads are numbered, Jesus says.  God knows everything.  And if He knows everything, and promises to care for us that much, then what have we to fear?   

Mrs. Martin was asked where the inspiration for the song came from.  She explained that she had close friends, a couple who were both crippled, who found such rest in the knowledge of God’s love and care for them, that they were able to face life with both joy and hope regardless of their circumstances.  More about Civilla Martin and her story can be found at cyberhymnal.org.

Many who face incredible hardships and trials learn the value of resting entirely on the care of the Lord.  Just the knowledge that God knows what’s going on, and cares about it, gives us strength to cope.  Relying on His strength instead of our own frees us from the need to find the solution.  Sometimes this is enough to make the solution plain.  It’s like wrestling with a problem and finally turning your brain off and going to bed.  In the morning, well rested, the answer is clear; where last night, when you were wrestling, you couldn’t see it.  Other times, God clearly presents the answer we need – even if it’s not the one we would choose for ourselves.

The secret, and the promise this song expresses, is knowing we are not alone.  Not only is God aware of our trial, he cares.  He will provide the way through it, and give us the strength to cope with it.  That knowledge is enough, and gives such rest to the soul when we accept it.