He Names the Stars

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I enjoyed a media free night–a night without television, telephone, smart phone, computer, etc. We sat outside on our patio with a fire in the fire pit, relaxing and talking for hours. At one point after dark, I looked up at the sky and commented on our cloudless cover and the host of twinkling stars above.

Have you ever wondered how many stars there are in the heavens? I did a Google search and the first paragraph of an article titled, Number of Stars, at ChristianAnswers.net read as follows:

On a clear, moonless night about 3,000 stars are visible with the unaided eye. A small telescope will increase the number to around 100,000 stars. But this is just the beginning! The stars we can easily see are all in our corner of the Milky Way Galaxy. The entire galaxy numbers about 100 billion stars. And beyond the Milky Way are other galaxies with many shapes and sizes. Around 100 billion such galaxies are known to exist.

I feel very small and insignificant by comparison, but Psalm 147: 4-5 says:

He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.

The notes in my Life Application Bible shared the following:

Sometimes we feel as if we don’t understand ourselves – what we want, how we feel, what’s wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God’s understanding has no limit, and therefore He understands us fully. If you feel troubled and  don’t understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. 

We are never insignificant to God! Let’s look at a few verses that remind us of just how much He loves us:

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:26

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God created each star and knows it by name. How much more He loves each one of us. He understands us perfectly. He knows our struggles. Whatever your burden is today, it is neither too big nor too small for God.

Give it to God!

Trust His love!

Surrender to His faithful limitless understanding.

5 Responses to He Names the Stars
  1. Barbie
    September 8, 2010 | 12:14 am

    This is so good. I love to reflect on the verse that says He numbers the hairs on my head. WOW, He knows everything about me.

  2. Melissa Mashburn
    September 8, 2010 | 9:03 pm

    What a sweet and beautiful reminder Deb, thank you for helping to keep it all in perspective! ~ Melissa

  3. Deb
    September 8, 2010 | 9:57 pm

    Barbie and Melissa, Thank you for your words of encouragement. Our God is so good. Blessings to you both!!

  4. Patricia
    September 9, 2010 | 8:46 pm

    very nicely put!
    Thank you I needed this reminder today….
    Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:26

  5. Deb
    September 12, 2010 | 9:48 pm

    Patricia, Thanks for stopping to say hello. We are so very blessed to know the promises of our Heavenly Father’s enduring love. Blessings!!