Sparrows are very small birds, usually 4-8 inches in size. They are persistent, resourceful, and intelligent. For many people they are a symbol of community, unity, teamwork, and simplicity. Sparrows are very social. Usually, this bird mingles in chattering groups.
I watch and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
Psalm 102.7
What is more pathetic than a sparrow alone?
When alone it becomes a picture of forlornness.
Sometimes we too feel alone and express it by saying " No one understands".
And possibly no one does. We may have a companion but no one to exchange our thoughts and feeling with. This unique grief wrenches the heart. Each of us bears a cross that is our very own. However, we do not need to feel alone.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[a] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 ESV
The Lord loves to single out the individual just like he did Mary at the tomb, in the midst of our sorrow. He calls us by name, He makes us feel accepted even when others fail us. His strength is revealed as we look to Him in trials.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,[b] “Rabboni!” (Which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
John 20:11-18
He knows, He loves, He cares, nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those who leave the choice to Him.
Author Unknown
To not feel alone and to be happy all the time sounds wonderful. I think most of us would settle for mediocre happiness or just not being dissatisfied with the things of this world. However, happiness cannot be found in such a way that it endures, only joy can.
It has to be joy, a joy that comes through suffering, through need: through desperation. People experience joy when they thought they were dying, but then discover they aren't going to die after all. Joy is found when after enduring unenduring pain, the pain is removed, or when strength is given to bear it. It is not something you can get for yourself, even if you work very hard.
Joy is a gift. A gift to the one who was sinking in the pit of death and who was lifted into the light. Whose eyes have been opened so they can see and whose ears have been opened so they can hear. One who has found the truth and now trusts in this truth.
Joy is what sustains us and keeps us going.
So, if you are feeling alone, troubled, hurt, discouraged, or just not feeling happy.
Fall on your knees, fling yourself into the arms of Jesus, and joy will come.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:19