"His Eye is on the Sparrow"

"His Eye is on the Sparrow" 2.5x3.5" © 2013

This small ATC is a test run for a larger painting that a friend is asking me to paint for a prayer room in her house of eight college girls. As I was thought about my friend’s request I was thinking about what I wanted them to know and see as they go to pray in this room. All I could think of is that Jesus loves, cares, and wants to speak freedom into their lives. Understanding these women I knew that the piece also needed scriptural backing. The first thing that popped in my head was the hymn His Eye is on the Sparrow, and the New Testament verses about the God watching over sparrows. 

I also decided I wanted to have the bird flying as an expression of god wanting them to live to their potential and take risks for Him. Knowing that He will ultimately pick them up and be there for them no matter what happens. 

For the larger painting I think I will do several sparrows in many different positions, to show the different places in our walk with Christ. I have really enjoyed this little painting and have had quiet an ordeal with him. I almost threw out the whole thing and started over many times. I made mistake after mistake on this tiny portrait, which i think brings out the meaning even more. Each time I wanted to give up God gave me another chance to make him more beautiful, and with greater depth than I had planned. I want to leave you with the lyrics to the hymn and the verses that fuel the meaning and inspiration of this piece.

"I long yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your alter, O LORD of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God!"

Psalm 84: 3-4 NLT

"What is the price of two sparrows- one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without the Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are much more valuable to God that a whole flock of sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

 His Eye is on the Sparrow - Hymn

Why should I feel 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.

Refrain

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.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain