Some nights when standing out under the stars, I ask myself a very similar question.  We are so small and seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things and there are so many people and creatures in the world – how can God care for us all?  And yet, by faith I trust that God does care for each and every one of us - always.

Last Sunday I mentioned the Neowise Comet and the very next night after videotaping the sermon we saw it in the western night sky.  Since then we have seen it two more times with all of the sightings being spectacular.  One in particular appeared so bright that it reflected perfectly in the still, dark water of the lake. 

As part of our 5 x 5 x 5 Bible reading program, we recently read the book of James and here is what the author wrote:  "Who is wise and understanding among you?"  James 3:13

That is another good question. "Who is wise and understanding among you?"

In our time the word “understanding” has come to mean grasping something so that you have it figured out.  Understanding can give a sense of control and knowledge can be used as power.
But in earlier times "understanding" meant something different and more literal – it meant to stand under something too large to fully see.  When you stand under the clear, night sky you realize that so much more is out there that remains hidden and unknown.  In this sense, understanding is more like wonder.
We understand God (finitely) in a similar way. We stand under a reality, a power and a presence that we do not fully grasp, completely know, understand, or control.
True wisdom is an awareness of our limits such that we know we don’t know completely. We stand beneath truths too great to fully grasp or control.

In these times of fear and uncertainty, there is so much we do not know and who can know for sure what lies ahead?  As we go through the coming days, let us understand God by standing under God in reverence and awe trusting that God cares and walks with us in this strange, dangerous and beautiful world.

In Wonder and Gratitude,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister