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I enjoy star gazing, especially when I am away from the bright city lights, and I can really take in the night sky. I took an astronomy course in university, learning about the chemical make-up of stars, how light travels, and the theories about black holes and pulsars. Yet, for all the information about radio-astronomy, supernovas, and the solar wind, nothing takes the place of the awe I feel when I gaze on the magnificence of the Milky Way galaxy, or the moonlight shining through the clouds of night.
A few weeks ago, I saw the loveliest sight — a sliver of a new moon balancing near Venus, the evening star — and I wrote this poem about it.
- On a night like this
Clear and dark, the last glimmer of sun on the horizon
Pillows of orange, violet and gold as the day begins its rest
Sailing high in the night sky is a sliver of the moon, gleaming
Rocking merrily and singing to the evening star poised above
The two celestial maidens chanting their unworldly music to one another
On a night like this, O such a night
The world rests, lulled by their song
The Psalmist David evidently shared my awe with the night sky.
Psalm 8:3-4 – When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (NIV)
When I look on God's handiwork, I know my right place before my Creator, and I lift my voice in praise. We have done nothing that God should be mindful of us and care so much for us, but He does. The One who created the heavens also sent His own Son to earth to redeem humankind, so that we could become members of His own family. This is certainly a celestial song to rest by!
Prayer: Dearest Lord, we praise You for Your handiwork in the heavens, and for loving us so much that You sent Your own Son to redeem us. Your created night sky declares Your glory. Thank You for being so mindful of us, and for caring for us as You do. Amen!
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Lovely.
Thank you.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Shirley.
Love your poem Shirley.
(Ontario, Canada)
Thanks for the meditation and the wonderful poem which helps one see it all before us!
Thanks for the lovely poem, Shirley. God’s creation is definitely awe-inspiring. Blessings!
You use some beautiful language to share a wonderful truth about the God we love today, Shirley. Thank you.
Thanks, Shirley. As an Arizona resident, I enjoy its awesome sunsets and varied scenery that also display God’s glory.
I am going to use your poem in my reading group at school. Just lovely.
(Texas)
Hello
Thank you for this and your poem. I could picture it all and I too am always amazed when I admire the beauty in the sky. GOD is so good. God bless.
I saw it at the other side of Canada!
I too, am uplifted at the sight of the night sky.
Thank you for the poem,
(BC)
Dear Shirley,
Thank you for all of your precious words. And for your poem that sprang from your worship.
Keep writing.
Greetings Shirley,
Thank you for a very beautiful devotional. Our heavenly Father’s creations are so delightful along with His everlasting care and love for us. We owe Him so much gratitude for all He provides.
Blessings for your thoughtful poem and writings.
(B.C.)
Good afternoon Shirley.
Very interesting devotional today. I must admit I know nothing about the solar system. When I lived in a camp in the Middle East many years ago, we used to sit and watch the sky at night, there rarely were clouds, there were no lights to interfere and quite often we used to see a Sputnik going over. This was in the days when there were only a few satellites. It would have been a great place for you at that time.
However, having said that we do praise the Lord’s handiwork.
Thank you for writing.
Oh Shirley, how my spirit/soul soared reading your devotional this morning! I too look in awe at such sights and I was beholding each scene you described! I love to go to my hot tub at night, and gaze at the heavens! Having been a Girl Guide (MANY years ago), we learned the names of many constellations and when I see them, it’s like seeing old friends. I find and I relax there, the words of a song from a Colby musical we did with our kids’ choirs years ago (from Psalms) “Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent Your Name is…. Your Glory fills the heavens, beyond the farthest star….”. What a lift!!
Thanks for stirring me to praise once again!
What beautiful imagery.
Thank you.
Good Morning Shirley and Blessings in the name of Jesus. I very much enjoyed your devotional you shared, and your pastime of stargazing. I too like to gaze at the heavens, and our camp is a great place to do it, as there are no lights at night, except for the ones God has lit!
(ON)