But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape. Psalm 141:8-10 NRSV
Maybe you have or haven't visited the Cave of Fear in your life, but unfortunately caves have an open door policy and you never know when you might be tempted to visit. The invitation to come in is intriguing and leaves even the most logical thinkers believing there could be no harm in going in and staying for a short visit.
The Cave of Fear offers so many accommodations. You can crawl in and find safety from the outside world. Your basic needs to protect you from the elements are met, and you need only venture outside when hunger pushes you to leave the safety of the Cave of Fear. In the darkness, you find comfort in knowing there are no mirrors to reflect the fearful person you have become. You begin to believe that you now belong to the Cave of Fear. As you think and dwell in darkness, your thoughts become even darker.
The sunlight streams through the entrance of the cave, but as the days go by, the sunlight is painful to the eyes and you find yourself gravitating deeper into the cavern rather than being drawn to the light. Eventually, there is only a glimmer of light in the distance. At some point, you must make a decision to go toward the light or let the darkness overcome all rationality that one once knew and collapse into a world where only you exist.
How does one find their way out of the Cave of Fear? The open door policy has not changed, and the exit has no door. It will take more courage to leave the cave than it did entering. It will take faith that a better world exists outside the dark and damp walls of this primitive way of life that you have made your home. Most importantly, to depart, one must leave a part of their own darkness behind to make room for the light. The darkest worries, failures, and sins of one's life must be left behind to bask in the warmth and glory of the light.
In Psalm 141, David found himself hiding in a cave from all the evil that was engulfing his life. He knew he had plunged into darkness and needed help. Mentally trapped in the cave, he cried to the Lord, "But my eyes are turned toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape." God led David out of the dark cave and gave him strength and courage to face the worries, failures, and sins that existed in him and those in his life.
If ever you find yourself contemplating a visit to the Cave of Fear, never lose sight of the Light regardless of how faint or distant it may seem. The voice inside you need only cry out for help to our Heavenly Father, and He will help lead you toward the light where He will bless your life with love, community, purpose, forgiveness, and grace. You can leave the darkness of your life behind because existence in His Light will lead you far, far, away from the dark, damp, musty walls of the Cave of Fear.
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father,
Help us each day to be attracted to the glory and gift of living in Your Light. Grant our hearts confidence that regardless of the dark situations that come our way, we are guided by Your Light and help us to not retreat to the Cave of Fear.
Amen
