Psalm 147:4 (CEB)“God counts the stars by number, giving each one a name.”

When we gaze into the heavens on a clear night, we see a sky full of glimmering, light-giving stars created by God. In Psalm 147, it says He knows precisely how many stars there are and that He has given each one a name. The attention He has paid to the stars reminds us as His prized possession, how valued and precious we are to Him.

Just as God has perfectly designed the stars to light up a darkened sky, He has given each of us the responsibility to shine His life-giving light in the darkness. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

A catchy song that has been around for many years prompts us to let our little light shine. Within the lyrics of that traditional, well-loved melody are three lessons that we can learn from stars about shining our light.

1. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Take responsibility for your God-given task. 

Stars do not have to be continuously told how much, where, or when to shine because shining is what stars naturally do. Likewise, in Matthew 5:14-16, we are told that we are the light of the world and to shine before people, “so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.” For example, loving those who are labeled as unlovable, forgiving the unforgivable, and radiating Christlike joy even in the middle of tragic life experiences are ways to reflect the radiance of our Heavenly Father and show this world how amazing He is. When our love for God compels us to love others the way He wants us to, this world gets the opportunity to see Him in us and be changed by Him.

2. “Hide it under a bushel, no, I’m gonna let it shine!” Shine whether we are in the forefront or the background.

Stars do not stop shining if the surrounding stars emit a brighter light. They continue to shine from wherever their position is in the heavens. When we compare what we perceive as our light’s impact to someone else’s impact and become discouraged, we hinder God’s plan. He is a Master Designer, and His design includes us using the unique gifts He granted us to bring Him glory. Comparing our shine to others is a waste of time since God purposely bestowed different personalities and talents upon each one of us. He created all of us differently so that when we are shining our unique light, the result displays His brilliance. 

3. “Don’t let Satan blow it out. I’m gonna let it shine!” Shine even when others ignore, reject, or complain about the light.

How brightly stars shine is not dependent on the reaction of people who view them. If the light they radiate is not noticed or appreciated, stars keep right on shining. Speaking from experience, being unnoticed or unappreciated can produce an, “I give up. What is the use of even trying?” attitude. To continue trying to live a Christ-filled life when it seems like we are having no impact or even a negative impact on others can be difficult. But when we are focused on the reaction of people rather than the reward of an obedient life, we are missing what truly matters. We might even decide to allow our light to be blown out and therefore give Satan the satisfaction of succeeding in his mission. However, if we shift our focus back to God’s opinion of us rather than the world’s and pray for inspiration to continue shining, I believe we will stay motivated to let our light keep right on shining. 

The next time we look into the heavens and marvel at the twinkling stars that God created, may we allow them to inspire us to persevere in letting our little light shine. “Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”