He Counts the Stars and Calls Them by Name
Psalm 147:3–5 (ESV)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 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.
When we gaze up at the night sky, we see just a tiny fraction of the vast universe God created. Modern astronomy estimates that there are over 200 billion galaxies, each containing billions of stars. Yet Psalm 147 tells us that God not only created them all—He knows them individually by name.
This is not merely a poetic image; it’s a profound theological truth. God’s omniscience (all-knowing nature) and omniscience (His unlimited understanding) are so complete that even the most unimaginable vastness of creation is intimately known to Him
Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name…
But why does God tell us this?
It’s to draw a contrast between His infinite power and our human weakness—not to discourage us, but to comfort us. If He knows and names every star in the sky, how much more must He know and care for each of us, who are created in His image (Genesis 1:27)? Jesus said in
Luke 12:7,
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So when the Psalmist says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,” we’re being invited into the tender side of God’s power: His deep compassion and involvement in our personal pain. He doesn’t just rule the universe—He restores broken people.
Scripture repeatedly invites us to bring our burdens to Him:
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
These verses are not just theological statements—they are personal promises.
God sees your wounds. He knows your hidden pain, your silent battles, and your broken dreams. And His desire is not just to observe, but to heal, restore, and renew you.
So draw near to Christ. He is not far away. In fact, the Bible teaches that in Jesus, “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19). He is Emmanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
A Personal Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Your majesty is beyond what I can comprehend. You name each star, and Your understanding is limitless. Yet You also see my wounds, my sorrow, and my need. You are not a distant Creator, but a loving Father. Thank You for Your promise to heal the brokenhearted.
Today, I bring You my heart—every anxious thought, every burden, every scar. Heal me, restore me, and renew me. Let me stand in Your presence, not in shame but in grace, and live for Your glory.
I trust You, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
