Why Should I Feel Discouraged

In the spring of 1905, Civilla and Walter Martin became good friends with Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle. Mrs. Doolittle had been confined to her bed for over twenty years and her husband had a condition which left him bound to a wheelchair. Despite their physical limitations, they lived cheerful lives determined to bring comfort and inspiration to those around them. Walter asked the couple what their secret to such hopefulness was. Mrs. Doolittle had a simple response, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.”

Civilla and Walter led revival meetings around the country and frequently wrote the lyrics and music for some of the hymns used during the services. The simple words of Mrs. Doolittle inspired Civilla and Walter to pen the words of this well-known hymn. They attempted to compose the melody, however, they became dissatisfied with it so they sent the lyrics to Charles Gabriel, a well-known writer of gospel songs. In no time, Charles Gabriel composed the melody to which we sing today.

The lyrics of this beloved hymn remind us of God’s continual compassion and tender care for each one of us. If God cares about the little birds of the field, how much more does He care for you?

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.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 (NKJV).