“God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).
Lava Tube Cave, Bend, OR — The clang of feet on metal steps signal our descent into the cave. Hands grasp ice-cold metal railings winding downward. Sunlight fades behind us. Chilling dampness seeps through jacket layers. We walk into the inky unknown. With bobbing flashlights our sole light source, we carefully climb over slippery black lava rocks. Up ahead, fellow travelers disappear around a bend. We stop, extinguish our light, and experience total blackness. I see nothing, not even my hand before my face. Quiet blackness. Isolation. Growing uneasiness. Unknown surroundings. We can stand it no longer and switch on the light, our guide out of this dungeon.
Turning back, we tread the path of hope, our lantern leading us on. Ahead we spot ascending steps. Expectation rises. Then, around the corner, sunlight explodes into view! We blink in the brightness. Never has the sunlight been so welcome! So beautiful! Golden light splashes black rock, now transformed into shades of brown and green. We feel the sun’s warmth and shed our jackets as we emerge from the cave.
I remember that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). His light shining in our hearts gives us “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Christ’s light has freed us from bondage, doubt, and fear. The Bible is God’s light for our path (Psalm 119:105), giving us truth, goodness, and hope.
Lord, may Your words light my way.