HIS EYE IS ON
THE SPARROW
We all face challenges in this life. Some challenges can torment us for years, while others, though brief, make us feel like we will be crushed under their heavy load. Yet, some people go through incredibly difficult challenges with a grace and peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). How can this be?
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Civilla D. Martin and her husband became friends with the Doolittles in 1905. The Doolittles were a couple who, for many years, had disabling health problems, leaving Mrs. Doolittle bedridden and Mr. Doolittle in a wheelchair. Yet, somehow, this couple remained cheerful and were an inspiration to those around them. When the Martins asked how they kept from becoming discouraged in the face of all their difficulties, Mrs. Doolittle replied, “ How can I be discouraged when my Father watches the sparrows, and I know He loves and cares for me?”
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Her words echoed the words of Christ in Mathew 10:29-31:
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
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Inspired by Mrs. Doolittle’s great faith, Civilla wrote the poem, which became the lyrics to a now-beloved hymn. The first verse reads as follows:
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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.
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Elder Anthony D. Perkins, of the Seventy, gave a beautiful talk entitled, Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God. In it, he spoke of his own journey and suffering through cancer.
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“Five years ago (2016), I was diagnosed with cancer. I have felt and still feel the physical pains from surgeries, radiation treatments, and medication side effects. I have experienced emotional struggles during torturous sleepless nights. Medical statistics indicate I will probably depart mortality earlier than I ever expected, leaving behind, for a season, a family who means everything to me. I vividly recall my own experience at one point in my cancer battle when the doctors had not yet diagnosed the cause of some severe pain. I sat with my wife, intending to offer a routine blessing on our lunch. Instead, all I could do was simply weep, ‘Heavenly Father, please help me. I am so sick.’ For the next 20 to 30 seconds, I was encircled in His love. I was given no reason for my illness, no indication of the ultimate outcome, and no relief from the pain. I just felt of His pure love, and that was and is enough. I witness that our Heavenly Father, who notes the fall of even a single sparrow, is aware of your suffering.”
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These images were inspired by the hymn, His Eye is on the Sparrow, and Elder Perkins's talk.
If you would like to read more of his talk, you are invited to follow this link.