On a Clear Night

READ: PSALMS 19:1-4; 139:14; ISAIAH 40:26

There have been so many moments in my life as a Christian when I’ve doubted the existence of God. Praying just seems silly—like talking to the air. But I have moments when God reveals to me just how plausible His existence is.

One especially vivid time happened about a year ago. I was just starting high school and taking an evening walk outside to look at the stars. I lived in the country, so the night sky looked incredible on clear nights like this one. God’s handiwork was on full display for me. Walking in the crisp breeze, all I could do was look up and thank God for the wonder He had put before me. And suddenly, nothing felt ridiculous about this. I was just a creation talking to my Creator. I was instantly so small in the vast universe, and that was okay because I was cared for and loved by the most important person in all of creation.

Also in that moment, it seemed so out there to think all this fascination and artistry could be made by anything other than the skillful hands of an artist. It just didn’t make sense how some people couldn’t see everything this clearly. I felt so loved, and I began to feel so upset because others didn’t feel this loved, they didn’t feel this safe, because they didn’t know God. So I stood there and cried for those people and prayed for them. I didn’t know them by name, or what they looked like, but I prayed that God would reveal Himself to them as He has revealed Himself to me. And even though I may continue to have doubts, God will always turn my gaze back to Himself and tell me, “I love you, and I AM here.”

I tell this story because it’s okay to have doubts, everyone does—whether they’ve been a Christ follower for years, or came to know Him later on. Throughout your life, you are going to have doubts, but keep your eyes open! God won’t let Himself and His truth go unnoticed in your life. • Sophia Augustine

• When we have doubts about God, He is patient with us, and He promises that those who seek Him will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13; Jude 1:22). Even when Jesus rose from the dead, many of His followers doubted. Yet He mercifully helps us—through His Spirit, His Word, and His people—to trust Him. When you have doubts, who are trusted Christians in your life who you can be open and honest with, and who will encourage and pray with you?

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 (NIV)