Back in the spring of 1905, a songwriter named Civilla Martin and her husband became friends with Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, two devout Christians who lived with serious health complications. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for two decades, and her husband, unless God intervened with a miracle, would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Yet the Doolittles didn’t mope through their final years. In fact, those who visited them left their home inspired by their joy. One day, Civilla’s husband asked the couple how they could be that hopeful when they lived with that much pain. Mrs. Doolittle, quoting Jesus, expressed her faith: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.”

That wonderful woman knew our Savior’s promise: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. . . . Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6,7). That promise is true for you too. God knows what pain you’re going through. He hasn’t forgotten one moment of it. He is using it for his glory and for the church’s good, so you have no reason to be afraid.

Mrs. Doolittle’s faith inspired Civilla to write her famous hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” (you should Google it right now!). I pray that our Savior’s words inspire you to sing your own song of praise. Don’t be afraid! God knows what you’re carrying today. And he says that you’re too important to him to forget about it.