“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will … Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”—Matthew 10:29–31 NASB

W. Stillman Martin served several churches throughout the United States and was a professor at a Christian college. He also conducted Bible conferences and evangelistic meetings. Together with his wife, Civilla, he wrote many Gospel songs.

In 1905, while staying in Elmira, New York, the Martins became friends with a couple who experienced severe problems. The wife had been bedridden for 20 years. And the husband was an “incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheelchair.” Even though facing these problems, “they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.”

When asked about their secret, the wife replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” This title became the inspiration for a hymn.

They wrote, “Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely.” They knew “Jesus [was their] portion” and “constant friend.” Confident in God’s care, they wrote words that overflowed with joy. They could sing because they were happy and free. “For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” They knew that what Jesus taught was true; they completely could trust in God.

Don’t let your life be plagued by worry and fear. Trust God no matter what you face. Commit your needs to Him. You can rejoice and be at peace. God is watching you.

Reflection Question: What situation do you need God to watch over this week?

“When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’ And he hurried and came down, and received Him joyfully.”—Luke 19:5–6 NASB

Rufus McDaniel faced the challenge of dealing with the tragic death of his son Herschel. As he had done so often, he expressed his thoughts in a hymn, called “Since Jesus Came into My Heart.”

Dealing with this tragedy, McDaniel declared how he continued to turn to Jesus. He wrote how “a wonderful change in my life has been wrought.” Light had come into his soul, and he “ceased from [his] wandering and going astray.” His sins were “washed away.”

Jesus had given him a “steadfast and sure” hope. Doubts were gone. Instead, “There’s a light in the valley of death now for me.” He even had hope for the future as he could see “the gates of the city beyond.”

He knew he would “go there to dwell in that City.” Perhaps thinking about his son, this thought brought joy and peace to his heart. He described how “floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll.”

Lives change when Jesus comes into our hearts. This parallels the experience of Zaccheus, a tax collector hated by the common people—a man called a “sinner” (v. 7). Yet Jesus completely changed his life, so he brought Him “joyfully” to his house.

Do you know anyone who is troubled? Who is worried and afraid? Who feels rejected? Who needs salvation? Remember, Jesus still changes lives and saves the lost. He gives hope to the hopeless.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer for loved ones who need Jesus today.