Psalm 102:6–11 6I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. 8Mine enemies reproach me all the day; And they that are mad against me are sworn against me. 9For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mingled my drink with weeping, 10Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: For thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11My days are like a shadow that declineth; And I am withered like grass.
I’m a lonely bird.
Isn’t that what the psalmist was saying?
He compares himself to a pelican in the wilderness far away from his kind. A Pelican in the wilderness would certainly be lonesome.
In a desert place it would be very difficult for the wise owl to find anyone with whom to discuss things like how many licks it takes to get to the center of Tootsie roll pops. Such a secluded owl would certainly be sad.
A sparrow singing a solo on the house top, with no fowl friend to help him sing along, this is the picture the psalmist paints of himself in his prayer.
He is a lonely bird, he feels alone and unloved.
Ah, but if only we could send him a letter to let him know the truth, he is not alone and is most certainly loved.
Have you ever thought about how the Scriptures speak of a sale on Sparrows?
You can get a quantity discount and if you are like me, ya don’t mind buying bulk for a bargain.
Matthew 10:29–31 29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Jesus taught that if you have a farthing to spare, you can buy two sparrows and enjoy their song. But hold on, because here is the really good deal.
Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
For just one more farthing you can get five sparrows! Wow, what a deal! If you just buy four, the fifth one is free!! That fifth Sparrow has no cost, no value yet the point of our Lord is that not even that free bird is forgotten. He may not have worth to the seller but even that extra Sparrow is valued by God. God cares for every sparrow, every lonely bird is loved and are objects of his care.
Look at the next verse in Luke.
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
He loves every sparrow but every believer more!
I am reminded of the song written by Civilla Durfee Martin
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 over me.