Better Than Sparrows

The one thing that gives us hope, conquers our despair, and brings strength for the struggles of life is the assurance that no matter what we have done in the past, God loves us! Pain becomes bearable and tomorrow no longer terrifies us when our soul is touched with the reality of God’s shear delight with us. That sounds almost too good to be true, but Jesus’ own words underscore this reality:

“Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 NLV).

Have you ever been to the aviary at the zoo? Have you noticed that there will always be brightly colored parrots, funny looking toucans, huge eagles and hawks, numerous other species all providing an incredible visual of the grandeur of the world of birds? All of them will be in cages of some sort. I’m sure these cages are as much to keep others out as they are to keep them in, but they are caged nevertheless. Have you also noticed that no matter how many species of birds are on display, there are never any sparrows in the cages? They are so numerous and frequently seen that no one seems to care about them roaming freely about the zoo.

Sparrows weren’t any more valuable in Jesus’ day than they are in ours. You could purchase two of them for a penny! Who could possibly care about a sparrow? Well, God does! Jesus said, not one, not even one falls from the sky that God doesn’t take note of it. God cares, even about the sparrows!

But there is much better news for us. We are much more loved than the sparrows. Jesus said, “the hairs on our heads are numbered.” I know that number is greater for some than for others, but they are all still numbered! And, if God cares enough about us to number the hairs of our head, how much do you think he cares about our hurts and sorrows, our thoughts and worries?

I know there are those times when we feel forgotten and alone, but His promise is to always be with us. Listen to the Scripture:

“I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety.” (Psalm 16:8-9).

The following is a poem I have written. Perhaps it will be a little reminder to you of the wonder of His love.

An Early Morning Poem
by
Don Emmitte

The mist rises from the ground
as the coolness of the evening gives way
to the warming of the sun.
It is a reminder that even as the sun rises
old as creation, new as the day,
so, my life is refreshed.
The God of new beginnings
is the God from the ages past.
It is He who holds the future.
It is He who holds the present.
It is He who holds the past.
Whatever fear or failure is contained in any of these
is put away in His promises.
I rest in Him!
I abide in Him!
I trust in Him!
What glory is there for those who trust in Him?
Is there any who can stand against Him?
Is there anything so great that His will cannot be done?
No... like the sunrise,
His mercy is old and new.
His grace is forever and now.
His promise is sure and full.
My heart cries out for more!
Though they all stand against me,
I will stand with Him!
Now, and forever, I give myself to Him!