Astronomers used Australia's largest optical telescope to map 100,000 galaxies that surround our own galaxy, the Milky Way. The 3-dimensional map covers 5 percent of the sky and allows us to see 4 billion light-years deep into space. The number of stars included defies our imagination, but not the knowledge of God.

How amazing to read, "He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:4-5).

Even more amazing, though, is the psalmist's affirmation that God, who is far greater than the universe He created, cares about our sorrows. Instead of being remote and aloof, He is close at hand with love and mercy for His own. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds," wrote the psalmist. "The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground" (vv.3,6).

Jesus Christ, the creator of the galaxies, visited our planet to pay the penalty for our sin and open the way to friendship and fellowship with Him. Today He stands ready to bring healing and wholeness to our deeply wounded spirits. From naming stars to mending hearts, nothing is too hard for God.    — David C. McCasland