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Matthew 10:29,31 – Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) and notice. Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows. (AMP)
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. (AMP)
For some years, I lived in the busy metropolis of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but I would spend a number of weekends during the summer at my parents' home in a small country setting about one hundred kilometres north of Toronto. On one occasion, my father said, "Come along with me. I want to show you something at the end of the lawn." The lawn was very large and covered most of the property. In one far corner was a small circle of tall, unmown grass. He gently parted the grass and in the centre was a tiny nest. As soon as the grass moved, five minute heads opened with minuscule beaks at the end of the extensions. I became aware of a tiny bird perched on the fence close by, motionless and silent, obviously watching the two huge monsters peeking into her nest. My father gently released the grass, allowing it to settle into its own pattern. I walked away in silence. Was our God, the Creator of our vast universe — most of which is still unexplored and a mystery to man — really aware of these fragile little creatures? Did He really have His eyes on these seemingly valueless little scraps of life?
At one time, I was very much involved in the children's program at the church where I attended, and I assured the children that God was watching us at all times. I was very careful not to frighten them in any way at the thought of being watched so intensely, but I would stress that it was because He cared and loved us so much that He could not take His eyes off us.
Jesus tells us that not one little sparrow shall fall to the ground without the Father's knowledge — and Jesus tells us that we are of infinitely more value than a sparrow. We just have to raise our eyes to Calvary to catch a glimpse of our value. "He cares for you affectionately and watchfully." Even as adults, isn't it comforting to realize that God our Father is watching over us with affection and care? Even before we start to breathe the air of our new day, He is there, very much aware of our every need, for every moment of the day. Perhaps our day may not run smoothly, and we may encounter many challenges; indeed, in the eyes of some onlookers we may appear as failures, but if we can know within our spirit that we have pleased Him, our day is a complete success!
Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, we are amazed at Your concern and care for each one of us, amazed that You not only know us and see us, but that You hear our every prayer, even those prayer thoughts which rise up to Your throne room in a moment of need, of despair, of thankfulness. Nothing is hidden from You. We pray that You will enable us to be sensitive to the moment which You will somehow provide to share Your affection and watchfulness with one who does not know You. Thank You for this day, for its many blessings, and, yes, Father, for its many challenges. We enter Your throne room in the authority of Your Son and our Saviour, Christ Jesus. Amen.
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