Darkness Is Not Dark

Darkness and light are often understood as opposites, canceling each other out. We imagine light-filled stars and galaxies on one hand, and dark, empty spaces on the other. But is darkness truly empty?

Modern physics suggests otherwise. Scientists tell us that absolute darkness does not exist. Even what we call “empty space” is not truly empty. Physicist Brian Greene explains that space is filled with fluctuating energy fields; some form of energy is always present, even in the deepest vacuum of the universe. In other words, light or energy persists even where we cannot see it.

Our experience of darkness has more to do with the limits of human perception than with the absence of light. Under ideal conditions, the human eye needs about five to seven photons to detect light. When fewer photons reach our eyes, light may still be present physically, but we cannot perceive it. We name that experience darkness. Seen this way, darkness is not the absence of light; it is the boundary of our vision.

So darkness is not truly dark. It quietly holds light within it.

This scientific insight opens a powerful spiritual reflection. In human life, darkness often becomes a metaphor for suffering, uncertainty, grief, and despair. Yet if there is no absolute darkness in the universe, perhaps there is no situation entirely devoid of hope. Light may be present even when we cannot yet see it.

The psalmist expresses this truth with striking clarity:
“Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day” (Psalm 139:12).

What appears dark to us is never dark to God. God sees light where we see only pain, possibility where we see only loss. When we rely solely on our limited understanding, darkness can overwhelm us. But when we trust that light is present—even beyond our perception—we begin to live with courage and hope.

Because darkness is not truly dark, we need not fear it. If we look patiently and attentively, especially with the eyes of faith, we may discover that light has been present all along.

What part of your life feels dark right now?
Can you hold it gently, trusting that light is already there, waiting to be seen?

Notes

Greene, B. (2011). The Hidden Reality. Knopf.

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Darkness Is Not Dark.

Explore this theme in three different formats—each offering a unique way to reflect and engage:

📄 Article: https://lifespring-wholeness.blogspot.com/2026/01/darkness-is-not-dark.html

 🎧 Audio: https://youtu.be/sFs29tMC9TA

🎥 Video: https://youtu.be/pWV_AMUIN4U

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