How to Trust God in the Dark - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - May 05, 2026
"Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you" (Psalm 139:12, NIV).
Have you ever been in a pitch-black room (besides when you sleep)? Most of us haven't seen total darkness more than a handful of times in our lives. But when I was visiting some caves in Kentucky, I saw darkness I can't explain.
In the inner depths of these caverns, the guides instructed us that, for a few moments, we would experience complete darkness. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. Not only can I not see in the dark without glasses, but I also hate not being able to see my surroundings. As the cave closed in around us, my eyes failed to adjust. We stood this way for just a few moments, but it was my mom's gentle hand that calmed me down in this moment. Because though I couldn't see her, I knew she was there.
Sometimes, when we face dark times in life, we need to know the same thing about God. We may wonder where the Lord is. Why hasn't He shown up yet? Why do we search and search for the answers but never find them? But then, we hear the stillness of His voice. We feel His presence. We experience His touch (though not physically). And though we can't see Him with our eyes, that is enough.
In Psalm 139, we read that to God, no darkness is dark enough to cover Him from us. Praise God. Because even things that are enraptured by total darkness, like this cave, are like day to Him. What a comparison.
Many of us fear following God in the dark because we want a clear answer, direction, or next step. We think, "I could trust God more easily if I just knew what He was doing!" But instead, we're met with silence, confusion, and mixed signals.
The good news of this verse is that, though we want answers and explanations, if we just want Him, He will be enough. Our portion. Our prize. Our light that pierces through the darkest nights, even when we can't see or feel Him near.
All of us, to some extent, struggle with the discomfort of not knowing. We crave clarity because it makes us feel in control. And honestly, uncertainty feels like a risk we aren't willing to take. We don't want to be vulnerable, forgotten, make the wrong move, or waste time. Uncertainty isn't just inconvenient; it feels unsafe.
But what if this uncertainty, this groping through the darkness, was always meant to strengthen our faith? To point us to the light. To remind us that God rarely works through perfect clarity, but faith without full visibility.
Today, no matter what darkness you or I face, I want you to know that God often gives us direction and not explanation. But more importantly, He gives us the Holy Spirit within—His presence. And that presence is far greater than clarity, even when we can't tangibly hold Him close.
Uncertainty in the darkness isn't fun. But it's not an absence, sweet friends. It's an invitation. It shifts our faith from knowing to trusting and from controlling to surrendering. Clarity makes you feel safe, but trust in the Lord alone is what actually anchors you.
This week, try taking the next best step, even in the dark. You don't have to know the full plan (as much as you'd like), so stop waiting for 100% certainty. Stay close to God in the middle, and not just at the answer, because you don't need to see the whole path to take one faithful step.
It could be saying a bold prayer.
Choosing to talk to an old friend.
Trying a new hobby.
The list expands infinitely.
But in each decision is a choice to trust.
Because I may not understand what God is doing, but I know this: You're not wandering alone.
The same God who sees the end is still with you in the unknown. And He loves you the same.
Dear Jesus, I surrender my desire to know. I surrender my desire for control. I surrender my all to you. As I'm in the dark, let me know you're near. When I can't feel or see you, help me cling to your truths. Help me to trust your character over your clarity. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/PATSTOCK
Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
