His Eye is On The Sparrow

NLC Worship sings “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” the hymn with words by Civilla Martin and music by Charles Gabriel, written in 1905. Martin said the idea came from a visit with a bedridden woman and her husband who kept a joyful faith despite their hardship.

The first verse asks a series of questions: 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. The answer is that he is a constant friend whose eye is on the sparrow, and she knows he watches over her. The refrain says she sings because she is happy and because she is free. The second verse hears his tender word, let not your heart be troubled, and finds that resting on his goodness takes away doubts and fears, even though by the path he leads she may see only one step. The last verse names the hard times of temptation, rising clouds, sighing in place of song and hope that dies. In every case she draws closer to him, and he sets her free from care. The hymn answers worry with an image of a small bird that is not forgotten, and that makes it a favorite at funerals and in hospital rooms.

The sparrow that falls under the Father's notice is Matthew 10:29-31. Let not your heart be troubled is John 14:1, and casting your burden on the Lord is Psalm 55:22.