There are times when we may feel our lives are being driven by the winds of fate or controlled by evil people or forces. Yes, we may sing joyfully about an omnipotent God in Sunday morning worship, but the difficult daily events of Monday through Saturday too frequently challenge our singing.
Difficulties, both routine and unexpected, challenge our faith and perspective of God’s ability to carry us through the week. It is our human nature to easily forget that our God is still the same almighty, sovereign Lord today as he was yesterday and will be tomorrow.
The prophet, Isaiah, was writing to his people, the Israelites, after they had experienced years of judgment and exile from their homeland. They were so beaten down by life’s many trials and great adversity that they began to question whether God was with them or cared about their difficulties.
Isaiah knew both their situation and their hearts, and writes to them asking a crucial question in chapter 40, verse 27; “Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’?” By asking this probing question, Isaiah hopes to revive and encourage their faith in God’s everlasting love and care as He had promised them.
To confirm and strengthen the truth regarding God’s love and concern, Isaiah tells the Israelites to look up at the stars. “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (40:26).
Isaiah believed that his people could regain their perspective on life if they lifted their eyes to the heavens. He reminds them that God formed the heavens, “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” (v.22).
And furthermore, “He … brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (26).
In verse 25, the voice of the Lord is heard asking, “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” Isaiah joins the conversation to argue that when you observe creation, you see the power, strength, and loving care of God. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, and Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (vv.28-29).
What a wonderful message to a people who were discouraged, beaten down, and worn out with life.
Yet, even today, I know from experience that my pondering of this wondrous truth always revives my awareness of this great big God and His awesome power and love for me. This always proves to be a sure defense and remedy for all my doubtings and discouragements. And so, I pastorally recommend a daily “looking up to the heavens” for your spiritual health and vitality.
Our God is strong and mighty, all-powerful and full of amazing love. God has not forgotten any one of us and never will. Jesus told his disciples in a time of great anxiety “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31).
Look at the world around, above, and beneath you, and be encouraged by remembering that the Creator of the universe knows your name and your situation. God understands your fears, your hopes, your dreams, and your pains. God’s wisdom is unsearchable, God’s power is unmatched, and God’s love is overwhelming and limitless.
Remember whose you are, and rest in God’s holy presence. Look up at the stars and receive the gift of a grand perspective. God is so big, and we are so small, yet God is holding you and me in the palm of his hand, protecting, planning, and providing for us. THANKS BE TO GOD!
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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – May 18, 2022
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
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