When the Lights Go Out: Learning to Praise in the Dark

In the conclusion of my book, I mention one of my favorite films: Apollo 13. Beyond its cinematic brilliance, the movie carries powerful truths about life, faith, and even praise. One particular scene stands out as an invitation and compelling metaphor for how we often experience God's sovereignty in the most unexpected ways.

In a flashback sequence, astronaut Jim Lovell (played by Tom Hanks) recounts a harrowing experience during his time as a Navy pilot. Flying a night mission over the Sea of Japan, Lovell suddenly loses all lit dashboard instrumentation in his cockpit. He’s left in total darkness, flying blind over a vast, black ocean with fuel running low. Facing a potentially fatal crash into the sea, Lovell looks down and sees something incredible: a glowing green trail in the water—the phosphorescent properties of algae stirred up by the wake of a ship. That trail of light leads him safely home. In his words, “If my cockpit lights hadn’t shorted out, there’s no way I’d ever have been able to see that… You never know what events are to transpire to get you home.”

That moment has stuck with me, not just because of the drama, but because of the deeper truth it reveals. Sometimes, it takes the lights going out for us to see the path God has laid out before us. When our plans fail, our control slips away, and we’re left navigating the unknown, that’s often when God’s subtle, guiding presence becomes most visible.  And in the midst of this confusion is perpetually our invitation to praise!

I can remember seasons when the lights dimmed in my own life - times of personal loss, confusion, and transition. In those moments, praise wasn’t a natural response. But for the times I engaged, it was the most powerful. During these times, praise lifts our eyes off the problem and fixes them on the Problem-Solver. It moves us from frantic self-reliance to a necessary trust in God’s eternal character.

Here’s the reality: God doesn’t cause hardship, but He can allows it for His greater purpose. And in His wisdom and sovereignty, He always uses them: for our good and His glory. Through the darkness, He reveals the light. Through the struggle, He deepens our trust. Through the silence, He speaks louder than ever.

When the lights go out, we have a choice. We can panic. We can give up. Or—we can praise. Not because our situation is good, but because God is good. Always. Forever. Without fail.

God is the Creator of the Universe. He is the Redeemer of mankind. He is the celebrated Lamb, the Lion of Judah, the Savior of the world. He is the King who reigns eternally. Our praise doesn’t make Him more worthy—this is already signed, sealed and delivered but our praise choice passionately acknowledges the worth He already holds.

So even when life is unraveling, when the instruments fail and the lights shut down, let’s choose to praise. Not because we see clearly, but because we trust the One who does. Just like the phosphorescent trail that led Lovell home and led Leah back to seeing her God as Jehovah Adonai (The Lord Our Sovereign), praise leads us toward the heart of God: guiding us when we feel lost, and grounding us when we feel shaken.

Let’s choose to praise, when we understand, and when we don’t because in those moments, praise becomes more than a song; it becomes a holy declaration of godly trust and circumstantial defiance. A refusal to give in to fear. A bold proclamation that our God is still in control.

So when the darkness comes, focus on His ever-growing light. Let praise rise. Let it fuel your resolve. And know, without a doubt, that it’s leading you home- forever into the safe arms of your Savor and Jehovah Elohay (The Lord My God : Zechariah 14:5).