I awoke naturally this morning, earlier than usual for a Sunday morning. As I walked downstairs to make some tea and enjoy a few moments of quiet before the rest of the family awoke, I was surprised by the time, “5:30 am!! What? Surely, there must be some mistake, today is my day of rest, I should be resting!”
Nevertheless, I was awake and continued to make my tea and have some time to read God’s word. After reading, I decided to write in my journal. Last night before drifting off to sleep my heart was burdened. I whispered my request to God, and before I could listen for his response sleep overcame me.
As I journaled this morning, I felt myself coming back to that burden I had whispered the night before.
Thankfully God is not afraid or annoyed by our feelings, our emotions, or our complaints. He asks us to bring them all to him. To heap them in a big pile at his feet.
So I did. I poured out my heart on paper, what I felt, what didn’t feel right, what I needed, what I couldn’t do…“There it is Lord. All yours.”
“Remember” he whispered.
“Remember? I brought it to your feet, all my burdens, Father, do you understand what I’m asking? I need to feel your help more”
“Remember the sparrow,” he repeated.
“The sparrow?, Yes I remember something about a sparrow in the Bible. Something about how the sparrow doesn’t worry about what it will eat or where it will live, and how you know if even one sparrow falls to the ground. But what does it have to do with MY burdens?”
I thought I knew where this was going, so I grabbed my computer and researched the sparrow. What I found was scripture after scripture referencing the sparrow.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Matthew 10:29
Who knew such a meek bird was so important to God?
Wikipedia describes the sparrow as small, plump, short and stubby! (Talk about a label!)
Yet, God used the sparrow time and time again to remind us of the depth and breadth of his care for us.
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
As I read each scripture, the burdens seemed to melt away. “He does care for me. He is helping me. If even one sparrow is not forgotten by God, then neither am I.”
Friend, as much as I needed to hear this reminder this morning. I know you do too. The burdens of this world seem to creep in and stick on us like that slime your kids made at school (or was that just mine?).
They grip our hearts and we oh so easily forget how much God cares and knows our distresses, our burdens, our every.single.need.
Remember…
Charles Spurgeon reminded us so beautifully, so I close with this:
“There is one who cares for you. His eye is fixed on you, his heart beats with pity for your woe, and his omnipotent hand shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. If you are one of his family, he will bind up your wounds, and heal your broken heart. Do not doubt his grace because of your tribulation, but believe that he loves you as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness.”
Remember the sparrow…
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.” Psalm 84:3
