“Is anyone afraid of the dark?” Our tour guide asked.
We were inside a cave, and up until now, there were lights guiding the way.
Nobody spoke up, but I’m pretty sure my niece was a little scared as she gripped my legs. Then, with the touch of a button, we were in complete darkness.
The cave we were in was discovered by John Knox and his hunting dog in 1862. Our tour guide wanted us to experience the cave as it would’ve appeared with no lights. He pressed a button, plunging us into total blackness. Then, a few dim lights flickered on—meant to simulate the soft glow of candlelight. We could barely make out our surroundings, with visibility limited to just a few feet ahead. Finally, he activated the modern motion-sensor lights installed throughout the cave.
The transformation was stunning. The path ahead lit up clearly, revealing intricate details in the stalactites and stalagmites. The scene was absolutely breathtaking.
Everyone in our group was amazed at the site on display. As I was taking in the view, a thought came into my mind.
This is what God sees.
We only see part of our story, but God sees the details. He sees the entire picture.
When we feel like we are in complete darkness, running out of hope, God’s light shines through the cracks.
He gives us enough light to carry us through the day.
In the Bible, caves served as shelter in times of danger. David hid in a cave while fleeing from King Saul (1 Samuel 22:1) , and Elijah took refuge in a cave. (1 Kings 19:9)
After being in a cave, I understand why people used them to hide. The darkness is so vast that it would be very hard for anyone to find you–
Except for God.
When Elijah hid in the cave, overcome by depression, God talked to him in a still small voice.
He walked forty days and nights, all the way to the mountain of God, to Horeb. When he got there, he crawled into a cave and went to sleep. Then the word of God came to him: “So Elijah, what are you doing here?” (1 Kings 8-9 MSG)
Maybe today you are feeling overcome by darkness. You can’t see anything good in your future.
If that’s you, I want you to know that God sees you. He knows your story, and he cares about you. He cares so much that he wants to meet you in your darkest moment.
So try again. Look for a glimmer of light. Listen for his voice.
When we are in darkness, we only see shadows, but God sees the masterpiece. Trust that he is working out your story for good.
Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact, darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you. (Psalm 139:11-12 MSG).
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