The Very Worried Sparrow

Next Monday, Stewart has been booked to speak at a ladies meeting that we regularly visit, and I have been asked to sing a couple of songs. I decided to cover one of my chosen songs in the blog this week. As I have quite a lot to say about this one I will share the other next time.

I have sung there before, so I had to find something new. A particular song that I have been wanting to sing for ages is ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’. I have a lovely memory of it being sung by a visiting speaker in our own church many years ago. I think it was probably the first time I had ever heard it and I remember thinking how lovely it was.

As I looked for a version to learn, I was surprised how popular it was and there have been endless recordings of varying styles. On researching the origins of the song, which was written back in 1905, by Civilla Martin, I found the following story.

“Civilla Martin describes the context out of which the hymn was born: “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 wheelchair. 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 response 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.”

The phrase ‘His eye is on the sparrow’ is inspired by Matthew 10:29-31.

²⁹ What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. ³⁰ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

When I was young, I had a book called ‘The Very Worried Sparrow’. It was one of my favourite stories. He worried about everything, including whether his parents would feed him, whether he would be able to fly and so many more things. He worried so much that he wasn’t able to enjoy his life.

His dad told him stories about the Great Father who made the world, but he was too worried to listen. Finally, when he was an adult bird himself, and was telling someone of his worries, they again told him of the Great Father and this time he listened. He realised that he does not need to worry, because the Great Father is watching over him.

A story for children, but oh, what a lesson for us all. God is watching over us, he is in control and whatever happens to us, He knows about it and cares for us, so we do not need to worry.

Here is an original version of ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’ by George Beverly Shea, and then I have found more modern recordings that I thought were really good by Casting Crowns here, and Todd Agnew here. It amazes me how different they all are. The recording closest to the version I will sing is by Sounds Like Reign, and you can find that here.

Just one song this week but various styles for you to explore, I hope you enjoy listening and I will see you next time.