God made two great lights–the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. –Genesis 1:16
Since I was a boy, I’ve been fascinated by stars. Aside from an introductory college course on astronomy and owning a nifty iPad app, I’ve never seriously indulged in this fascination. But I’m always enthralled when I find myself outside on a clear night under the canopy of stars.
When we look at the stars, it’s watching history in the here and now. Some of it is recent history, as it only takes about 4 years for light from the next closest star to our sun to reach Earth. But much of what we see is ancient history. Our unaided eyes can see light from a star about 1,550 light years away (it’s light that originated in the mid-400s A.D.), and we can also see light from the Andromeda galaxy that is 2.8 million light years away. Of course, with the use of a telescope we can see further still. The night sky is wondrous and provides a reminder of God’s greatness.
When we read the creation account in the Bible (from Genesis 1) we find that “God made two great lights–the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.” The focus in the account is God’s creation of the sun and the moon. But what fascinates me is that “He also made the stars”– seems almost like an afterthought. Perhaps it’s just how our English translations read, but to me it seems that God in His unlimited might and creativity just happens to throw out an estimated septillion stars (1024) in our universe, as if it were no big deal. Now, that’s power!
In the day-to-day moments that make up our lives, and especially in our difficulties and trials, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s greatness and His care for us.
Perhaps today you are feeling alone and weighed down by life. You might feel as though God is a million light years away and that He can do nothing about your own astronomical struggles. While your trials are altogether real, remember today that as God’s child, He loves you. The Holy Spirit is ever present in your life. And He is the same God of whom the Scriptures say, “He also made the stars.”
If God is able create a universe of millions upon millions of stars, there is nothing in your life that His power cannot handle and heal. Place your trust in Him and never forget, “He also made the stars.”
GOING DEEPER:
1. What difference does it make to you that the God who created the universe is always present in your life?
2. What life issue are you facing today that you most need to be reminded that God is all-powerful?
FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 59:1; Psalm 8, 19; Ephesians 1:13-14, 18-21