More Than the Sparrows

Being an introvert and a relatively melancholy person, my bent is toward isolation. Sometimes it’s because I just don’t feel like talking; every now and then I need time be a hermit and spend an afternoon reading or writing. But sometimes this isolation lasts a long time.
When unhealthy, if asked how I was doing, I would probably say that I feel far away from everyone and everything. Even in public places, it often feels like if I hadn’t shown up, maybe no one would have noticed.

A few weeks ago, when isolation was in full swing, I got a letter from a friend. (Side note: let’s all start writing letters to each other in 2020. It’s maybe one of the most encouraging things to receive, and a very relaxing thing to do.)
The letter was filled with all kinds of encouragement, but the thing that I recall most often after reading it is a small drawing of a bird at the top, and the words next to it that said, “More than the sparrows.”

It was a reference to Luke 12:6-7:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
If God sees every sparrow, He sees you. You are worth more than the sparrows.

Over the last week, I have talked to a lot of lonely people. There are a lot of struggling people, everywhere. Some people are hopeful for the new year, but others are overwhelmed.
One of the biggest questions I face when I’m overwhelmed is whether or not I’m seen, by anyone. Are the mouse-people of the world just bound to go overlooked?
No.
Does anyone even know that I’m here?
Yes.

When we feel unseen, let us run to God’s Word:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
He knows you better than any person could.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar…
Every movement you make is seen, but so is every inner intention behind them. When you look down, not out of tiredness or absent-mindedness, but because you can’t lift your head, you are seen. When you walk as quietly as you can, not because you are really afraid of disturbing anyone, but because you just want to take up as little space and as few sound-waves as possible, you are seen.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether…
Every thought and prayer and fear, He hears them, and He sees you.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
You cannot walk out of God’s line of sight; no isolated place can hide you away from Him.

If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there you hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. (Psalm 139:1-2, 4-12)
No darkness you walk through is absent of His presence, even when the brightest day you see may as well be the dead of night. He has not turned His face away.

You are seen. You are seen and known and loved by God. He doesn’t leave you alone and take breaks to go deal with other things. He doesn’t need you to be louder; He hears your meekest and quietest of prayers. He doesn’t forget you’re there when you feel disconnected and are wondering if anyone in the world sees you. He sees you. Always.

We need this truth, and we cling to it.

In every sorrow and hurt and lonely day, you are seen.
If God sees every sparrow, He sees you.
You are worth more than the sparrows.