Last night, as I was sitting outside in our backyard praying about the massive changes taking place in our nation today, I lifted my head and looked up into the stars. For a brief moment, I found comfort in those stars shining in the backdrop of a deep black sky, until I realized that I was unable to remember how to identify the differences between a star, a planet, and a satellite.
My following thoughts followed my emotions about the days we’ve had with the uncertainty of what is real, and what has been made up by men. I felt my uplifted heart sink down low again into confusion, and doubt. Looking up into a wide open sky full of twinkling objects, I felt like there was no point to look up anymore because the sky was so diluted with things I couldn’t be sure I knew about anymore.
Just then, as I was lowering my head, I felt the nudge to turn around and look behind me. Immediately, my eyes were pulled back into years past when I was on a winter field trip for my astronomy class during my second year of college.
In a fraction of a second, it was as though the whole sky changed and was lit in a whole new way, yet not a single thing changed, except for the way I was looking at it.
The first thing I realized I knew for certain was when I saw Orion’s belt as clear as can be. My soul’s heartbeat beat faster and began to get excited all over again. Then it all started to come back… Orion’s arm was still raised and the bow was still in out front of him!
Then I took great comfort in remembering that the things God established in the heavens long ago, are still in place. Though the confusion is being launched into the night more and more, He has set the stars in the heavens to remind us that He will be faithful to be our guide and comfort in the night. He is stable, and he does not move from His promises.
I am grateful for this day that He has made despite what comes because I am reminded that no number of satellites reflecting the sun in the night will ever move the stars that were there long before and will be long after!
My hope for us is that we not only lift our eyes to heaven, but we look with purpose. Searching for the greater revelation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and how His Gospel leads us to live our numbered days underneith these stars with our trust in Him. I pray that His Word and His Spirit will be our constant guide through the days, nights, and seasons that are ahead of us!
Shawn Starbuck 