The Stars and I

When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? – Psalm 8: 3-4

It always stumps me just to think of how much God truly loves us, because it is so abounding. I see verses like the one above, and I find myself asking that question all too often. There are an estimated 100 thousand million stars in our galaxy. Not to mention how many galaxies surround ours. We are the size of amoeba in comparison to these stars and galaxies that God has created. And what does it tell you on how large and magnificent God is compared to the galaxies?! So, what is humankind that he cares for us?

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. – Psalm 147:4

He knows the number of stars he has created. He calls each one by name. Over 100 thousand million! And yet, we are just as valuable to him as the stars are. He knows every one of us by name. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. It blows me away! From something as big as galaxies to things as small as the hairs on our heads. Why?!

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. - Isaiah 40:26

To look up at God’s creation, to see all that beauty he has created. His creation can truly reflect God in such amazing ways! I don’t know about you, but it also makes me feel small at times, a lot of times. And we are, in sizing that is. That is the only way we are small in comparison to the starry hosts. Do you know why? Because God created us only a little lower than himself.

I will admit something to you. Sometimes when I look around at the things God has created, whether it be up in the sky, a flower, or even another human being, I get discouraged. I wonder who am I? There is nothing special about me for God to love. I have even had the dark thoughts of “I am worthless” at times. Maybe you have found those thoughts crossing your mind as well. But here is the thing that has helped me, and maybe it will you too.

God Created Us in His Image.

Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." – Genesis 1:26

To be in God’s image and likeness. He never created the stars and galaxies in that way. But what does that mean because we are not exactly like God? He is our supreme creator; therefore, we cannot be completely like him. We were not created that way. However, I do find it to mean we are reflections of his glory and character. We can do that through our faithfulness, love, and kindness.

He values us so much he created us in his image. He values us so much he wants that relationship with us, He sent his one and only son for us. He loves and cares for us so much, we are valuable to him.

It is good to look at God’s vast expanse of creation. It is a good way to respect his majesty. But do not get caught up in comparisons. Do not get caught up wondering who you are, wondering about your worth as I have in the past. Because yes, planets and stars are astounding, but he made you in his image.

So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

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Featured Image by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash