His Eye Is On The Sparrow

A customer saw this sign at Hal’s Hardware Store:

Welcome to Hal’s Hardware Store
DON’T SHOPLIFT
because GOD WILL SEE YOU
(and Hal might)

Hal’s sign gives us a lot to think about. We love our freedom and our privacy. But to secure these, somewhere, somehow someone needs to be watching. “Yikes!”, right? But is being watched always a bad thing? Give this song a sing-along listen, then let’s ponder lessons Hal might teach us.

Hal — and John Adams — make us think

DON’T SHOPLIFT. We’d like to think that should go without saying, but notice God did not assume that. God said, “Don’t steal”. God expects us to govern our own behavior according to His commands. It appears Hal knows that’s how God intended things to work. Now, just in case a customer is thinking about not governing his own behavior, Hal reminds folks that God is watching. And — just in case that is not enough to make his customers do the right thing — he offers a second reason that should get them doing right. Hal might see them. Implied message, “Don’t risk it. Consequences would follow — sooner or later.”

Hal’s sign helps us understand John Adams, speaking on how our government was to work under the U. S. Constitution. Adams warned:

“We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled by morality and religion … Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

All men are ruled — either from the inside or the outside. Through history most people have been ruled from the outside, often through harsh oppression. The remarkable freedoms we enjoy depend on enough citizens being ruled from within — “self-governed” — actually better described as “God-governed”. That’s how Hal approaches his shop, and that’s how the founding fathers approached our government.

Notice both Hal and our Constitution prefer we “be ruled from the inside”. THEN comes the warning that if we will not be ruled from the inside, we will be ruled from the outside. In one case, you might deal with Hal. In the other, you might deal with oppression. History is full of examples.

When we understand what is at stake, we gain energy to preserve our freedom by obeying God.

Ye are of more value

Hal is not in the hardware business so he can catch people trying to do him wrong. But if he did not pay attention, his business would fail. How much more our loving Lord? Our song celebrates the truth Jesus (and Ben Franklin) taught — a sparrow can’t fall to the ground without God noticing. And we are of more value than a sparrow. Not because of our works, good looks or brains, but because GOD values us. God cares for us. God loves us. God is ever present to guide and protect us. Watching sparrows and watching us is His choice, acts of His grace and mercy. The Lord’s help and counsel is an immeasurable blessing.

So … let’s enjoy the blessing! Let’s bless God right back by welcoming Him into our lives in everything we think and do.

Practice the presence of God

Hal got it. John Adams got it. We can get it, too. An important key to living with power, love, and a sound mind is to live “practicing the presence of God.” Our song this week is a delightful reminder of this truth — that the Lord is ever mindful, watching over each of us, which He is able and willing to do, even as His eye is on the sparrow.

God bless you lots!
-Dale R.


LYRICS: His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Text: Civilla D. Martin 1905
Tune: Charles H. Gabriel 1864


1. 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;

Chorus:
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.

2. “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;

3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When song gives 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;

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

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Song and article first posted May 17, 2019. New song video and updated article posted May 4, 2023.

6 Replies to “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

  1. Julia Witchard

    Good evening Mr Dale, thanks for reposting that amazing song, and sermon. I played the song and reread it a few times, the part where the chorus picks up is really amazing…. because that is how I feel when I interact with people at work, why I am doing their hair and PRAISING OUR HEAVENLY FATHER JESUS AT THE SAME TIME……I sing because I am happy, and I sing because I am free, and truly Mr Dale,…OUR HEAVENLY FATHER JESUS DOES WATCH OVER US and Mr dale…..HE SEES AND KNOWS ALL, EVEN THE HAIRS ON OUR HEADS… One Question Mr Dale, How is it that u can hear a song and read a sermon at one point in life and reread it at a later time in life and u can, get more from it.? Amazing! Thanks for sharing and caring and spreading the GOOD NEWS…..u both are appreciated, tell Cathy I said happy mother’s day…on the 14th of may.. much blessings to u both with lots of 💕..

    Reply
    1. Dale Reichel Post author

      Julia, I can attest to what you said … you ARE the picture of joy and thankfulness when doing your customers’ hair. You always have been upbeat when I’ve seen you work. Great question about how we can hear songs or sermons over and over and still learn. Just like reading and re-reading the Bible … life goes on and we run into more experiences that require us to go back and revisit things we heard before, but maybe had not connected with the new experience. There’s a word in the Bible describing “understanding” as being like two rivers that come together to form one greater river. So much of learning involves hearing a piece here and piece there and then, one day, they come together to give us a greater understanding. Too bad this life is so short. The old Swede said, “Too soon old, too late smart.” But GOD says, “How does everlasting life sound to you?” YES … we will have “time enough” for everything He has in store for us. Hallelujah! Thanks for your note! God bless you lots – D.

      Reply
  2. Michael T Johnson

    Great to hear this song again. It reminded me of Linda and Angela singing this same tune together in Atlanta a few years ago at an event. This was great to hear again and thanks for putting it for listening to again. Superb for relationship reflection with our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    My dad disliked strongly shop lifting from his grocery store also, just like Hal.

    Reply
    1. Dale Reichel Post author

      Michael, thanks for your note. I think your Dad and Hal would have been great friends! God bless you lots — D.

      Reply
  3. Dale Reichel Post author

    Thanks much ms Julia! I’m happy it helped your happy. May you continue to shine His light and joy to all you meet. God bless you lots — Dale 🙂

    Reply
  4. Julia Witchard

    Thanks mr Dale; The song u sang was right on time..I was feeling a bit down, but when I heard the song that u sang,….HIS EYES IS ON THE Sparrow…that lifted up my spirit…thanks again mr Dale..continue to sang and send out ,BLESSINGS to everyone…BE VERY BLESSED…ms Julia…your hairstylist….have and awesome wk…?

    Reply

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