The One Who Holds the Stars

"If you can hold the stars in place
You can hold my heart the same
Whenever I fall away
Whenever I start to break

If you can calm the raging sea
You can calm the storm in me
You're never too far away
You never show up too late
So here I am, lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars"

- Skillet

There is so much uncertainty in this world.  A lot of people are worried about so many different issues.  The sky is falling!  That's what we hear every day in one form or another.  From terrorist attacks to Ebola to which presidential candidate is going to ruin our nation, we live with a constant barrage of voices that encourage fear and doubt.  We all want to control what happens in our lives.   We all want things to go according to our plans.  Here's a secret:  We have a lot less control than we think.

"Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control."



One of our recent Bible studies has centered around joy.  There is a common misconception that joy is synonymous with happiness.

The happy person has more joy.

There is actually more evidence in scripture that shows the very opposite of this statement.  Some of the most joyful people are also the ones in seemingly the worst situations.  Happiness is dependent on circumstances.  Circumstances are constantly changing for all of us.  Joy, on the other hand, is dependent on the only thing in existence that doesn't change.


For many of us, it's not until we lose control of those things that we think are so important that we are able to see and trust in the Lord's power.  He said, "My power is made perfect in weakness."  When we decide to put our faith in Him, we have to give up that control.  We have to admit that He is the one who causes things to happen.  He is the one who controls the circumstances in our lives weather they are the circumstances we want or not.  He knows what's best.  Yet, there is peace in this because we know that God is a good God.  He defines Himself as "Love".   He promises us so many good things!  At the top of the list is eternal life with Him if we love and follow Him.  Once we let go of our doubts and fears and trust in the powerful God who "sets the stars in place," we gain peace and joy which no circumstance can take away.  It makes us invincible.


The next time you start to believe the chaos you see with your eyes around you, look at the Lord who is unseen.  He will help us see our problems for what they really are - insignificant.

"God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress."

- Psalm 46:1-7