“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
I’ll never forget when I saw the Milky Way. Our family was on vacation at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon when we were surprised by a glorious display in the sky after dark. The luminous stars and colorful bands of light looked like someone in space had knocked over a jewelry box full of gems. We stood in silence, completely captivated by the sight. Ever since then, I’ve tried to stargaze on clear nights as much as possible. I live in a developed area, so I don’t have the best view of the night sky, but even with the light pollution around me I still treasure what I can see when I look up. Every bright dot reminds me that I live in a masterfully designed universe. The light that’s visible in those dots represents an awe-inspiring star or planet far away in the vast cosmos. I only see a small fraction of what exists beyond my sight. But what I can see is glorious! The more I look up toward the sky, the more I experience a sense of wonder that shifts my perspective away from myself and toward my Creator.
The psalmist declares that the heavens – the skies above us – are heralds of God’s glory. When we stargaze, we find the fingerprints of the Creator. Each star and planet we see shining at night proclaims God’s creative craftsmanship. That’s because every part of nature reflects God’s character, as Romans 1:20 tells us: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Stargazing is not just something fun to do at night. It’s a spiritual pilgrimage. When we lift our eyes to the brilliance of the night sky, we see the brilliance of God. The twinkling stars whisper tales of a God who spoke galaxies into existence and set them up in perfect harmony. The bright night sky can also inspire us to reflect on how Jesus serves as the Light of the World. In John 8:12, Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Just as the night sky is illuminated by the brilliance of stars, our lives are illuminated by Jesus, as he dispels the darkness of sin and despair. As we focus on Jesus, the darkness in our lives is replaced by the brilliance of the hope he gives us.
Stargazing offers us a sacred pause in our busy schedules. We can shift our perspective beyond our current circumstances to the wondrous God who gives us everything we need to face them. While we enjoy a celestial display, we can find peace of mind as we quiet our restless thoughts and focus on the Creator of the beauty we see in the sky. Stargazing humbles us. The vastness of the universe puts our worries and concerns into perspective. We are only a small part of this grand creation. Yet God, in his infinite love, knows and values each one of us completely. The constellations in the night sky also remind us of God’s eternal nature and faithfulness throughout generations. Those constellations are the same ones that many other people have seen and contemplated throughout history.
So, whenever you can, venture outside and let the heavens display God’s glory before you. Every clear night throughout the year presents fresh opportunities to stargaze – and if you brave the cold, you can find even more clear nights in winter than in summer. As you gaze into the night sky, reflect on the God who knows you by name and holds the entire universe in his hands. You can connect with that wonderful God every time you look up!
Dear God, as I look up to the heavens at night, I’m in awe of your majestic handiwork. The stars declare your glory, and the skies proclaim your wondrous works. I want to encounter the glory of your presence with me. Thank you for giving me opportunities to stargaze. Please help me make the time in my schedule to step outside or drive to a location with dark skies regularly so I can enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Give me the discipline I need to break free of distractions and focus on you as I watch the stars you’ve created. As I reflect on your glory, humble my heart to the vastness of your creation and your great love. Glorious Creator, the universe finds its purpose in your hands. Bless my stargazing sessions, transforming them into sacred moments of communion with you. Thank you, wonderful heavenly Father! Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/~UserGI15667539
Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on X/Twitter.
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