As a mom, every day is a whirlwind of activities: getting the kids ready for school, managing work, household chores, and endless errands. At times, life can be a busy blur, and in those quiet moments, when everyone is finally asleep, I used to find myself staring out of the window, gazing at the night sky.
As a child, I often found myself wishing upon stars. It seemed like a harmless way to hope for the best. As an adult, I’d find myself hoping for my children’s future, for strength to get through another hectic day, for a little bit of magic to lighten the load. But deep down, I felt something was missing. My wishes, though well-intentioned, felt empty and unanchored.
Then I Renewed My Relationship with God
One particularly exhausting evening, after a long day of juggling responsibilities, I stumbled upon my Mum’s old Bible that had been tucked away on a bookshelf. It had been years since I’d opened it. I sat down and began to read. Almost immediately, I was drawn to the verse: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In that moment, I realized I needed more than wishes. I needed a relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The maker of heaven and earth.
I started to pray. At first, my prayers were simple and tentative, but as days turned into weeks, my prayers grew deeper, more heartfelt. I found comfort and guidance in the scriptures.
Proverbs 3:5-6 became a daily reminder: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Gradually, the change in my life became evident. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, I began to feel a profound sense of peace and purpose. I no longer felt alone in my struggles. I felt God’s presence and guidance, like a steady hand leading me through each day.
This is How You Can Transform Your Life Too
If you’re feeling the same emptiness that I once felt, here’s how you can renew your relationship with God and find the peace you’re searching for:
- Start with Prayer: Begin each day with a simple prayer. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Just talk to God as you would to a friend. Express your worries, your hopes, and your gratitude.
- Read the Bible: Make time to read a passage or two each day. Start with the Psalms or the Gospels, which offer comfort and guidance. Reflect on what you read and how it applies to your life.
- Join a Community: Surround yourself with others who share your faith. Join a local church or a Bible study group. Fellowship with others can provide support and encouragement on your spiritual journey.
- Trust in God: Trust that God has a plan for you and your family. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord and not rely solely on our own understanding. Submit your plans to Him, and He will guide you.
- Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to thank God for the blessings in your life. Gratitude can transform your perspective and bring you closer to God.
Can a Christian Wish Upon a Star?
The answer is no. In a technical sense, wishes are a belief in magic, which is another name for sorcery, and this is detestable to God. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly warns us, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells… Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
Wishing upon a star might seem innocent, but it subtly shifts our reliance from God to something else for provision and guidance. As Christians, we are called to trust in God for our needs and desires. By placing our faith in stars or other forms of magic, we are turning away from Him.
Instead of making wishes upon stars, we should bring our hopes and dreams to God through prayer. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Trusting in God’s provision and plan for our lives aligns us with His will and keeps us grounded in our faith.
FAQ
Q1: How do I start praying if I’ve never done it before?
A Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Start with a few minutes each day. You can use a simple structure: praise God, confess any wrongs, thank Him for His blessings, and present your requests. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to pray. God understands your heart.
Q2: What if I don’t understand the Bible?
Start with a translation that is easy to read, such as the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV). Begin with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) or Psalms. Consider using a study guide or joining a Bible study group to help you understand the context and meaning.
Q3: How can I find time for God with my busy schedule?
It can be challenging, but even a few minutes each day can make a difference. Try to incorporate prayer and Bible reading into your daily routine. You can pray while doing household chores, listen to an audio Bible during your commute, or set aside time before bed. Consistency is key, even if it’s just a little time each day.
Final Thoughts
By turning to God, I’ve found a peace that no amount of wishing could ever bring. My hope for you is that you, too, can experience the profound joy and serenity that comes from a renewed relationship with Him.
