When I get overwhelmed, there are a few things that can calm me down and center my focus on the One who is peace. Running, prayer, and star therapy.

One of my One28 mentors first introduced me to “star therapy” years ago during a different busy season of life. What is star therapy? Wait until dark. And look up.

Consider the stars. Consider their Maker.

Consider the stars in the sky;
When it is darkest they shine out the brightest
Consider the stars in the sky
In every anguish, Oh, child take courage

Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid
He who made all of this, and who holds all of this,
Holds you in his hands

(Getty Music – Consider the Stars)

God merely breathed out a word and stars were born.

My finite mind can, apparently, handle only so much. When I find myself crazed, knee-deep in email, up to my ears in tapioca, and clenching my iPhone to-do list and calendar, it is then that I realize I’ve lost total control.

Okay, not exactly. But my focus is no longer on the only One who offers perfect peace, faithful forgiveness, steadfast love, and constant hope for the day when every fear, every anxiety, and every sin will be no more.

This God—the Lord Jesus Christ—created every star and knows each one by name.

He determines the number of the stars;
    he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
    his understanding is beyond measure. 

(Psalm 147:4-5 ESV; emphasis added)

It seems like I’m not the only one who looks to the stars, and more importantly, the Star-Maker. It’s all about perspective, no? Praying even now for my dear friend, Beth, and her precious family.

[God] is still good, He is still trustworthy, His plan is still perfect, and He is still sovereign. After all “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.” (Psalm 33:6) (Star-Breather by Lynne Mobley)

When I look at the stars, I think of many Bible verses and Christian songs. Sovereign Grace Music produced two of my favorite songs.

Though He dwells beyond the stars
His redeemed are on His heart
Even now He intercedes
Jesus cares for all our needs

Hallelujah, hallelujah
The King of Love is on His throne
Hallelujah, hallelujah
His grace will lead us safely home

(Sovereign Grace Music – Hail the Day)

And this one reminds me to always be grateful to the Giver of every good gift. He knows what’s best for me. Even seasons of organized chaos.

The Star-Breather, Star-Maker, Creator of all is faithful, sovereign, immutable, and always good. And He deserves my thanks, praise, worship, and public testimony.

P.S. The Lord of the stars is the King of perfect timing. I was at the following lecture on Job. And stars were part of the discussion. Coincidence? I think not. (Or was that “joincidence?”)

Joking aside, this whole lecture is worth a watch. (If you’re short for time, at least tune in to the 9:40 mark.)