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His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
We often desire to stay strong through our struggles in life. The belief that God is looking down on us and expecting that we not flinch when struggles come our way. However, such an outlook does not line up with reality nor the context of Jesus' teachings. Fear was not something we should train ourselves to avoid. Instead, we find comfort and strength during moments of fear in the presence of God.
In Matthew 10:29-31 and Luke 16:6-7, Jesus tells his disciples, "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" Lk 12:6–7. In each text, Jesus was giving hope, comfort, and strength to his disciples as they faced persecution for preaching the gospel. He challenged them to rely on God in moments of fear. N. T. Wright stated, "You are worth more than a great many sparrows; so rest assured that God knows and cares about the details of your life, even as you face the temptations and dangers which so easily surround you. Followers of Jesus are bound to expect attacks at all levels. But they should also learn that the one they are serving is stronger than the strongest opponent they will ever meet." Tom Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1-15 (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 120.
Civilla D. Martin once visited a friend, Mrs. Doolittle, in the spring of 1904. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for twenty years and her husband was an incurable cripple. Civilla's husband asked why they were so hopeful in spite of their circumstances. Mrs. Doolittle responded, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me." Before the day was over, Civilla had written the poem 'His Eye is on the Sparrow.' The next day she sent it of to composer Charles H. Gabriel. Thus was born the hymn 'His Eye is on the Sparrow.'
I hope that you maintain a joyful hope in this midst of your struggles knowing that God has His eye on you!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H74FBgOZTDw
Verse 1: Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav’n 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.
Verse 2: “Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; tho’ by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know we watches me.
Verse 3: 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; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain: 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.
Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 143.
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There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
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Take steps to protect yourself
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