Our scripture this morning is Psalms 42:11 (NLT).
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!
I spent many, many joyful years in different choirs, so every time I read this verse my mind goes to the song “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. This psalm and related quotes in the Gospels remind us that we are valuable to God. If God sees value in us, how can we not see the value in ourselves and others?
In Matthew 10:31 Jesus tells us “So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke records almost the same quote “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Luke 12:7). God created everything and loves everything He created, but we were made for a higher purpose – to be part of His work here.
The final phrase of this verse is the source of our joy and our salvation. God made a way for us to be saved from our failure and to be reconnected to Him. We have no cause to be discouraged when our hope is in Him.
Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven 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!
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. Amen.
