Worth Far More….

I’ve mentioned a time or two that I’ve been studying James.  We just completed Chapter 1 on trials and I would guess that it is no coincidence that I am studying this book of the Bible right now.  Have you ever had that happen?  Your studying something in Scripture that has direct application to your life?  Oh yeah, it is hard!
We’ve been going through our share of trials at the moment.  I’ve mentioned once or twice on here that my husband has been traveling a lot.  (As in this week he won’t even be home until Saturday.)  We are blessed that we have two vehicles and that I homeschool, so we can travel up to see him at the end of the week.  The King Fish is a family man, and not seeing his family is not good for his spirit.  He gets refreshed and rejuvenated when he spends time at home.  So, we are going up to see him, and it will be a wonderful time of memory making and quality family time. The most important fact is that we will get to be together. 
While the travel and his time away has been hard.  Harder yet is the news we received this past Friday.  His work can make no promises about his employment after this job is over.  They have no place to put him yet.  There are no jobs for him to go to.  They need to win more work, and in this economy everyone is trying to get work.  The King Fish has seen several sub contractors struggling financially in this recession, and some have gone out of business.  Our economic times are tough, that is for sure.
When the King Fish shared the conversation he had at work with his boss, he was surprisingly calm.  He told me that he suspected that for a month now, and it just felt good to finally hear it.   As the weekend went on, I continued to notice a peace about him.  He really is resting in God’s provision. 
Yesterday I wrote about the birds and how much I am enjoying just sitting still and marveling at God’s creation. 
In Luke 12:6-7  It says:  “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
My mind went to an old hymn……  His Eye is On The Sparrow.  It’s one I hardly knew before today.  But I can’t get it out of my head.   Here are the lyrics:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n 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.
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.
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:
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.
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I just keep singing it and singing it, and the tears just keep rolling….. quietly.   Why?   Because I know this to be true.   Because despite what our circumstances are, God is in control and I am worth far more than many sparrows.  If his eye is on the sparrow, and not one of them is forgotten by God, then surely he watches over me and I am not forgotten. 
My sister’s husband lost his best friend to cancer two days ago.  His best friend.  This man left behind a wife and family.  His wife is my sister’s friend, and she is now a widow.  They are all grieving; and even though they know that he is in heaven celebrating right now and they rejoice in that assurance;  They are all still grieving here on earth for the loss of their friend, husband and father.  I hear this song and I think of his wife and my heart sings this song for her.  Because God is watching over her, even while she walks through this dark valley. 
Maybe you are in a dark valley of your own.  Perhaps you too have recently experienced a loved one passing away, and the pain is raw with each memory or holiday.  Maybe you battle with depression and the darkness that can come with it.  Perhaps you are  struggling with unemployment and you wonder how you can possibly make it through the month.  Or maybe like Hannah you are crying out to the Lord concerning a child. And as you wait on God’s timing and direction,  it seems like all around you is darkness and silence.  Whatever it is that is heavy on your heart right now… know this: 
You are worth more to God than the sparrows.   He numbers the hairs on your head… he cares about each tear that falls from your eyes.  He cares for you deeply and he has not forgotten you!   Trust him, lean on him, surrender to him.   He watches over you. 
My favorite version of this hymn is done by Sandi Patty.  The song is below:  Close your eyes and listen to the words…. and be reminded that you are worth far more to the Lord and that he is indeed watching over you.