sing sparrow sing!

Each morning I am blessed by the most beautiful praise service (weather permitting). Similar to a curtain being raised over a stage, the sun emerges. It extends its warm rays across the lush, green landscape like the arms of a conductor calling forth a new day's performance. The stage is set. The cacophony of the crickets gives way to the solitary notes of the first soloist. A small chorus follows, chiming in additional accompaniment for the performance. Finally, a crescendo of melodic song is harmonized with a complete choir of sparrows who have rested their voices throughout the evening only to break forth into glorious and faithful worship.

The sparrow... a tiny animal who is always singing, from morning to night. An animal that can teach us a thing or two about trusting God and staying close to Him no matter what the circumstance...

In Psalm 84, we read, "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you."

It makes me smile to see the Psalmist point out the sparrow building its nest near the very altar of God. It is as if they knew that their happiness and peace would only be found by being close to their Creator. Wow, is that ever true!!!

At the time of Christ, it did not cost much to purchase sparrows. In fact, they were considered the least valuable of birds. Their value was so cheap that a dealer who would sell a sparrow would throw in an extra one.

"These birds are snared and caught in great numbers, but, as they are small, and not much relished for food, five sparrows may still be sold for two farthings; and when we see their countless numbers, and the eagerness with which they are destroyed as a worthless nuisance, we can better appreciate the assurance that our heavenly Father, who takes care of them, so that not one can fall to the ground without his notice, will surely take care of us, who are of more value than many sparrows." (from Barnes' Notes)

So, God takes care of sparrows. He knows exactly what will happen to them. Read Matthew 10:29, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father."

When a sparrow falls to the ground, God is there. So ask yourself this... if God shows concern for the well-beling of a little bird that was valued at such little cost, how much more does he care about those he loves and created in His own image?

Yes, God takes care of sparrows. But God LOVES us. He is concerned about all the details of our lives. If we read on in Matthew it's pointed out that even the hairs of our head are numbered. Look at verses 30 & 31, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." We are worth a lot more according to our great God. (Note the hairs are not just "counted", but numbered individually!) God oversees every sparrow that falls to the ground, and God oversees when a hair falls from the head of one of His children. How awesome to think that when He protects His own, He protects us down to our individual hairs. (See Luke 21:18)

So, knowing that God is in control of these tiny birds... shouldn't we trust Him with our own lives? Can't we believe that He will certainly protect and provide for us? Is there really any reason for us to fear anything when we are assured in scripture that God is exercising such wonderful care over us?

Bottom line, all events (great and small) are under the control of our Heavenly Father. Not one thing happens without his permission. So, if calamity comes upon the righteous, we must not deduce that it is because the world is without control; it is not because God could not prevent it. No, it is because He sees it best that it should be so. He knows the full story. He sees the big picture. Whatever comes to pass comes by the will of our Creator and is intended to work toward His ultimate GOOD! He has the Master plan because He is the Master!

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)

We must trust our Almighty Father in all circumstances. We must count each trial as a blessing. We must remember that He is molding us to be used in trials with intent and for a specific purpose. Knowing this, it is important that we show up each day filled with song! Like the sparrows, we must daily rejoice and worship Him for His sovereignty and detailed care over our lives. The circumstances are not the end. They are not bigger than God's plan. So, just think how much it would please our Creator if we had enough faith to look past trouble and start our day in song as the birds continue to do? Oh Lord, give us that kind of faith in You!

Friends, let's keep our hearts nested near the very altar of God. There we will find happiness and peace because there we will be closest to our perfect and loving Creator. Let's stop worrying about the temporary trials we face and trust Him fully. All the while, let's daily sing His praises and thank Him for His ongoing, unending, overseeing protection and care for us. He loves us so much. Trust His intentions and dwell in His house! Don't ever take your eyes off Him. He is so GOOD!

Sing Sparrow....SING!!!

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson