I recently came across a series of amazing pictures from around the world. Most of them depicted nature or works of art.

One in particular grabbed my attention. It had both. It was a bronze statue called “Christ of the Abyss.” You can see it in the graphic that goes along with today’s devotional. It was created by Guido Galletti in the 1950’s and was placed on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. To this day it remains there and is a popular destination for divers. 

There is a story which describes the reason for its existence and placement. But as soon as I saw it I was reminded of Psalm 139:7-10: 

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”

Yes, even if “I made my bed in the depths, you are there…” 

We often associate God’s presence with good feelings, inspirational songs, and happy occasions. But Psalm 139 reminds us—just like the statue in the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea—that God’s presence is to be found in the dark places as well. 

I know this not only from Scripture but from my own personal experience. Some people talk about “experiencing God” when things are wonderful and joy-filled. I get that. But most of my strong encounters with the presence of God have been during moments of suffering, confusion, anxiety or low-ness.

He is with us in the valley of the shadow of death. When the darkness of night descends upon our minds. And when we feel lost in the deep, deep waters of our own regret or pain.

When you feel far away from God, he is not far away from you. There is nowhere where you can go where he is not. His GPS never fails. He is never lost. He never loses track of you. Darkness to you is not darkness to him. His love is never drowned.

When you question his proximity or care, remember that in Christ he is closer than your own skin. He is close with love, with forgiveness, with guidance, with power, and with truth.

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.