Summer is in the air and in our family that means one thing: camping!
On our family trips in the great outdoors, one of the things we enjoy most is sitting outside at night under the stars. How mind boggling to think that the light from the nearest one took more than four years to reach earth! When we gaze at the starry heavens, we’re literally looking at the past.
And, there’s so much out there that we can’t see – planets, black holes, asteroids, other galaxies – many of which completely defy explanation or even description. Photographs from the most advanced telescopes give us mere glimpses of what is far beyond our ability to imagine. Not to mention the vastness! Our Milky Way galaxy is estimated to be 100,000 light years in diameter – meaning that it takes light speeding through the universe at 186,000 miles per second 100,000 years to travel across the Milky Way. The Milky Way, of course, is just one of many galaxies that have been discovered – and it’s small in comparison to others.
I’m certainly no scientist, and my knowledge is limited. Nevertheless, I’m fascinated and awed by the universe, and my mind turns immediately to thoughts of our Creator.
With the Psalmist we can proclaim: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). The Bible tells us that all of creation reveals God’s attributes and serves to prove His existence. According to Romans 1:20, there’s no excuse for unbelief.
Yet, the startling reality is that we all know some who just don’t see the hand of a loving God when they look around them. While they might marvel at the same things that amaze you or me, they don’t make any connection to a Creator. Others will acknowledge what’s commonly referred to as “intelligent design” but scoff at the idea that the “intelligent designer” could be remotely interested in tiny planet earth or its inhabitants.
How about you? What thoughts come to your mind on a starry night? Do you experience the awesome love and power of God? What in nature most prompts you and your family to marvel at His majesty?
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