The Light in the Darkness: God’s Design in the Deep Sea

While watching some incredible underwater videos here on YouTube, I found myself marveling at the sheer awesomeness of God’s creativity. The vast, mysterious depths of the ocean have long been a place of wonder and discovery, and the creatures that inhabit these depths reflect a creativity that is beyond human comprehension. These creatures—many of which we’ve only recently discovered—are living testaments to the imagination and brilliance of the Creator.

But it's not only the creatures themselves that fill me with awe; it's also the brave explorers who venture into these deep, dark, and often dangerous waters. These explorers put their lives at risk to uncover the secrets of the deep, often going to incredible lengths to reach areas where few have dared to go. Whether in submersibles or on daring expeditions, they push the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. The technology they use to study these creatures is mind-boggling, yet their greatest achievement might just be their determination to understand and protect these lifeforms in the first place.

One of the greatest contributions of these explorers is their commitment to saving the creatures that inhabit these fragile environments—many of which are being harmed by human activity. Over the past few decades, scientists and marine conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect the oceans from the damage caused by pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Their efforts to preserve the habitats of these incredible creatures remind us of the responsibility we have as stewards of God’s creation. These heroes of the sea are helping to rescue those who are suffering from the debris and toxins humanity has carelessly thrown into the ocean. They carefully collect entangled creatures, gently removing them from fishing nets or plastic waste, all while ensuring the survival of these wondrous beings.

The depths of the ocean are some of the last truly unexplored frontiers on Earth. Despite centuries of exploration, vast portions of the ocean remain a mystery, hiding creatures and ecosystems that we can barely begin to comprehend. And yet, every time we venture into the dark depths, we find strange, beautiful, and often awe-inspiring creatures. These discoveries—like glowing jellyfish, translucent squids, and fish with alien-like appearances—remind us not only of the complexity and wonder of life on Earth but also of the infinite creativity of God.

God, in His wisdom, has filled the oceans with creatures so diverse and fascinating that they leave us speechless. These creatures are designed to thrive in extreme conditions, where light does not reach, and the pressure is overwhelming. Yet, in the dark abyss, life not only survives but flourishes. The colors and forms of these creatures are nothing short of miraculous—brilliant flashes of bioluminescence, shimmering in the eternal night of the deep. It is as though God, the Master Creator, took delight in crafting life in ways that defy our imagination.

In Genesis 1:21, the Bible says, “So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems, and that moves about in it.” As we learn more about the oceans, we are reminded of this foundational truth—that the God who created the world is the same God who fills the depths of the sea with creatures that display His creativity, beauty, and wisdom. From the beginning, God’s design was not just functional but magnificent. He created life to not only sustain itself but to fill us with awe, to reveal His glory.

Over the past few decades, scientists have discovered some truly extraordinary creatures in the deep sea. One of the most fascinating discoveries was that of the deep-sea lanternfish. These fish are tiny, yet they can produce their own light through bioluminescence, which is not only used for communication but also to attract prey. The bioluminescence of the lanternfish is a reflection of God's creativity and ability to provide even the smallest creatures with incredible adaptations to thrive in the darkest places on Earth. “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens” (Proverbs 3:19). God has intricately designed each creature to fulfill its role in creation, and the lanternfish is a living testimony to His wisdom.

Another fascinating discovery is the anglerfish, known for its grotesque appearance and its use of a bioluminescent lure to attract prey. The anglerfish’s glowing lure is a literal light in the darkness, guiding it through the abyss. This creation is a striking reminder of the fact that in God's creation, even in the most unlikely and harsh environments, He provides what is needed for survival and flourishing. In the same way, God is the light that guides us through our own darkness. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). The anglerfish’s light is symbolic of Christ, who came into the world to shine His light in our lives.

Then there are the vampire squids, named for their red, eerie appearance and their ability to generate a bioluminescent glow. Despite their sinister name, they are not dangerous to humans. Their striking red color and the ability to produce light in such an inhospitable environment remind us of God's hand in even the most unconventional and strange creatures. Isaiah 40:26 tells us, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” If God can create these mysterious, glowing creatures of the deep, how much more does He care for us, whom He created in His own image?

One of the more recent discoveries has been that of the deep-sea dragonfish, a creature that looks as though it were plucked straight from the pages of a science fiction novel. With its long, flowing body and sharp teeth, this fish embodies the strange beauty of the ocean's depths. The dragonfish’s ability to produce light helps it survive in the total darkness of the deep sea. The presence of light in such a dark place is a clear metaphor for God’s light in our lives, illuminating the darkness and bringing life where there was none. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Each of these creatures—whether it's the bioluminescent lanternfish, the eerie anglerfish, or the glowing vampire squid—paints a vivid picture of God’s artistry. The colors, the strange forms, and the wondrous abilities these creatures possess speak to the unfathomable depth of God's creativity. His power and majesty are evident in every aspect of the natural world, from the highest mountaintop to the darkest depths of the sea.

The variety of creatures that live in the deep sea also reminds us of the incredible variety that God has woven into creation. No two creatures are the same. Each one is uniquely designed to thrive in a specific environment, showing us that God has thought of every detail, no matter how small or hidden it may seem. “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). The diversity of life in the ocean reflects the breadth of God’s creativity and His attention to even the smallest detail.

As we peer into the depths of the ocean, we are reminded that there are still mysteries yet to be uncovered. And with every discovery, we are drawn deeper into awe and wonder at the mind of the Creator. Just as the deep sea holds treasures of unimaginable beauty, so too does God’s love for us transcend our understanding. The ocean's depths remind us that we, too, are known by God in ways that are beyond our comprehension. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

We are also reminded that the deep sea is a place of life and thriving, even in the most unlikely conditions. It serves as a reflection of the life God has given us. Even in the darkness, there is beauty, there is life, and there is light. We, too, are called to bring light into the world, just as those creatures of the deep bring light into the ocean's depths. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

In the end, as we continue to explore the deep sea and uncover its secrets, we are continually invited to worship the Creator who made it all. Every strange fish, every glowing jellyfish, every eerie anglerfish is a reflection of His boundless creativity and love. As we stand in awe of the wonders of the deep, let us remember that the same God who designed these creatures is the same God who lovingly created us. And just as He has filled the ocean with life, He fills our lives with His presence, His light, and His love, guiding us through the depths of our own lives.

I hope you enjoyed this message as much as I did writing it. If so, please drop me a comment! I would love to hear from you!

Anna M. C. Hazen 2025