The hymn, “His eye is on the Sparrow” was inspired by a couple, the Doolittle’s of Elmira, New York.
The wife had been confined to bed for many years.
Her husband was a semi invalid and worked from his home in a wheelchair.
The songwriter, Civilla Martin, tells of the visit to the Doolittle’s in 1904.
She was impressed with the joyful spirit the Doolittle’s maintained in spite of their severe disabilities.
She ask Mrs. Doolittle how she could continue such a joyful spirit when she had so many problems.
Her answer was “How can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know he loves and cares for me.”
Mrs. Martin was so impressed over the joyful attitude that she immediately wrote the words to the hymn “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
This hymn has been recorded by several artists and has been an encouragement to many of God’s people.
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.
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.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though 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 He watches me.
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.
Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore:ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Center for Evangelists 