I will instruct thee and teach thee the way

Title: His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Composer: Mrs. L.D. Martin and Charles Gabriel
Arranger: Dino Kartsonakis

This is a famous hymn that has many arrangements. Whitney Houston sings a version of this for a film called Sparkle, although it is most associated with actress-singer Ethel Waters. Mahalia Jackson's recording of the song received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2010. This gospel hymn was inspired by scriptures in Psalms and Matthew. In Psalms a verse reads, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." In 1904 Civilla Martin was visiting an ill, bedridden friend. Although discouraged and sick, her friend remembered that God was watching over each little sparrow and would certainly watch after her. This is the inspiration as it relates to Matthew. Don't be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.

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.
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.
“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.