When the kids were young, Bill and I used to take them camping in the back country of Algonquin Park. It is one of Ontario’s largest provincial parks with all kinds of beautiful lakes. We would rent 3 canoes. Our dog insisted in travelling in Bill’s canoe - at the very front. I always thought that was funny. We have many precious memories from those holidays.

One thing we will never forget was sitting up at night and looking at the stars. Our whole family would sit by the lake and watch intently for the first falling star. We live in Toronto with so many bright lights, we don’t get to see the stars so clearly.

I was thinking about those starry skies when I came across this beautiful verse from Isaiah 40:26

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

This passage is written to a remnant of God’s people as they were finally released from a long captivity in Babylon. They were tired and discouraged. Hope was in short supply.

As they journeyed along, there were no city lights that would dim the skies. The stars, shown in all their brilliance, would light the road before them. If they would look up, past the circumstances and the memories that they were leaving behind, their perspective could change.

They would have been reminded of these beautiful words spoken by the prophet Isaiah. The truth that God who is all powerful, and hung each star, knows their names. He sees them. He saw their suffering and was well aware of their weariness. He was able to do all of this because He is great power and might.

It is a powerful experience to choose to look up at the stars and be reminded that this same truth has not changed. God invites us, to look to Him who is our help. (Psalm 121)

Perhaps the next starry night, you will remember this truth. He sees you. He sees where you have come from and where you are right at this moment. He knows the struggles. He loves you just as He loved that weary remnant that journeyed back to Jerusalem all those years ago.

Dear Father,

Thank You for the starry nights and this beautiful truth. You see what I am going through right now. Give me wisdom and strength for whatever is ahead. I praise You for being God Almighty. I need a powerful God who loves me right now.

In Jesus Name,

Amen