Weekly Devotional: September 30
Putting it in Perspective
By Bobbie Schaeperkoetter
I’m sure I’ve told you about of one of my favorite evening practices. I love to go outside after dark and lift my face to the sky and consider the bigness of God. Innumerable stars glitter in the inky expanse above me and something in my souls clicks into place as my perspective is realigned.
It’s hard to put into words just how holy these moments feel. Problems that loomed large suddenly regain their rightful size as I imagine God speaking the galaxies into existence. I am deeply aware of the power and presence of God and that awareness reorients everything.
Genesis 1:16 NKJV says, “Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.”
God said, “Let there be light” and by the poetry of his words created the sun and the moon. Then, almost as an afterthought, “He made the stars also.” With no effort, God simply spoke constellations and solar systems into being.
That is the bigness of God.
Jeremiah 32:17 NIV reminds us to cry out, ““Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
This practice reminds me of God’s bigness. It reorients things for me. You see, our problems are not too big for him. Our challenges are not too hard for him. Our difficulties are not more than he can handle. When we look at the stars and remember, “he made the stars also,” our perspective shifts. Our trials are rightly sized in comparison to God’s bigness. We’re reminded that the same God who had the power to speak the night sky into being is at work right now in those very situations and circumstances that we’re concerned about.
Isaiah 40:26-31 NLT encourages us to raise our eyes and remember. “Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Let that sink in. Let it resonate within you. Let the truth of it echo in your mind and heart. He made the stars also. His bigness is incomprehensible, yet he holds you. He sees your troubles. He understands. He loves you and he is for you. Remember his bigness and let that remembrance shift your perspective.
Prayer
God, you are so big. I can’t even begin to comprehend your power. Thank you for reminding me that nothing is too difficult for you. Nothing is impossible. I can safely rest in the truth that you see and understand. You love me and are for me. Thank you, Lord!
Scripture Meditation
Genesis 1:16b NKJV “He made the stars also.”
Journal Reflection
What in your life feels too big for you to handle? How does it feel to know God, in all of his power, is there, moving and working in the midst of it? What can help you to remember this truth when you trials feel too big?
Practice
Stand outside and look at the night sky. Read Isaiah 40:26-31 NLT.
“Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Worship Playlist
