The God Who Sees Us in the Darkness (Psalm 139)
By Dr. Brandon Steenbock
Sometimes darkness is terrifying. You walk home from work after a late shift; every streetlight is an island of safety, punctuated by rivers of fear and silence. Some days are like this too; moments of light that feel safe and warm, punctuated by hours of silence and loneliness where it feels like the black dogs are circling beyond the edges of sight.
And yet, darkness doesn’t always seem like the enemy; sometimes it’s comforting. The light is exposing; anyone can see you, and what if you don’t want to be seen? The darkness lets you hide, lets you stay anonymous, lets you stay safe.
Unless… being hidden and anonymous isn’t safe. Because sometimes it’s not. And then… wouldn’t you give anything to be seen?
Psalm 139 reflects on God’s omniscience and omnipresence. Those are big words, but they bring big comfort. “Omniscience” is God’s all-knowingness; he knows you, even the deepest thoughts of your heart and the darkest places you hide. “Omnipresence” is God’s everywhereness; even when you feel alone, he is there. Even when you are surrounded by darkness, his eyes are on you. Even when you are invisible, he sees you.
As the psalmist writes, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you” (Psalm 139:11-12). The darkness may hide you from others, but not from God – and that’s not a threat, it’s a comfort. He’s not there to condemn or judge you, but to care for you. To be your hope when you can’t find any. To protect you no matter what.
Open your Bible to Psalm 139. You don’t have to read the whole thing. Maybe just a verse or two. Let this truth give you peace today: God sees you and knows you. You are never alone.
Prayer: Lord, even the darkness is not dark to you. When no one else sees me, even when I can barely see myself, help me to know that you see me and love me, and to rest in that love.
Thank you for reading our special devotional series for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The rest of this devotional series can be found here.