One of my favorite things to do is sit outside in the cool, quiet early morning and watch the birds. It is so wonderful to see the beautiful birds in all different colors, shapes and sizes, flying around. Their chirping and singing is a special serenade gift from God to me. It reminds me of the scripture and hymn about the sparrow, and how much more valuable I am to God. It enables me to draw near to God.

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 Hymn)

A sweet and dear friend of mine experienced that same thing when her husband was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. Unable to do anything but be there for her husband and believe God, she was able to draw near to Him through her artwork and hymns. She started painting and applying the paintings to hymns, which she made into cards and also framed. People started to notice her work and wanted to buy it, which soon turned into her business of ‘Draw Near to Hymn’ (http://drawneartohymn.com/) that ministers to people by helping them to draw near to Him. There under the shadow of His wings they know how precious and valuable they are to God, that He is watching over them.

Even in the mist of our pain and suffering, God provides a way for us to ‘draw near to Him’, by reminding us that His eye is on the sparrow and we know He watches us too!

Keep me as the apple Your eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Psalms 17:8