I’d never seen so many stars before. Layer upon layer in a blackened sky, they were my first glimpse of a night sky that reflects the vastness of the universe.
My family was camping in Portugal. I was ten, and my parents, brother, sister and I had piled into our station wagon the day before at the Navy base where we lived in Spain. Then we drove to Portugal for a week-long camping adventure.
On our first night, we stopped at a beautiful campsite, pitched our tents, and swam in one of the onsite pools.
Later, in the tent my brother and I shared, we both were too excited to sleep. So, we pushed our pillows outside our tent and stretched out onto our backs in the still, quiet night.
That’s when I saw the dazzling stars and was startled by the vastness of space.
To my surprise, the realization of how tiny I was in a world so immense brought an unexpected flood of panic. In contrast to the stars’ expanse, I suddenly felt impossibly small and vulnerable.
Lord, what is man, that You care for him, the son of man, that You think of him?
Psalm 144:3
I felt a sudden chill. It was the first time I sensed I was closer to being speck of dust than the center of the universe, and the realization was unsettling.
I wanted my dad. But he was asleep in the next tent along with my mom and little sister, and I knew I shouldn’t wake him for something I couldn’t even put into words. So I quieted my fears with the assurance that my dad was close by and would keep me safe.
When life feels overwhelming
That’s how I feel when life feels overwhelming. When things happen I can’t control, when nothing makes sense, or when the uncertainty of tomorrow looms large, I need to know my Father is near.
And He is.
The same God who formed countless galaxies literally has the whole world in His hands.
Including me and you.
It’s the most amazing and incomprehensible truth. God Almighty knows each star by name. “He counts the stars and calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4, TLB).
Yet, He knows each one of us intimately, too.
God knows me
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head. This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe!”
It’s incredible.
The Creator of the Universe, who literally knows the stars by name, knows my name, too.
And when your Heavenly Father knows you by name, you’re safe.Because He’s right there beside you.
appreciated those words tonight. Lots to feel overwhelmed by, especially in the last hour. But our faithful and loving God is right beside us through the storms…as we have seen in the past. 😉
Yes He is, Margaret, and I know you can testify to that 🙂 You’re on my mind and heart. So thankful for you and your faithfulness.