Some time ago a group of us traversed the lava tubes near Mt St Helens, the famous mountain that erupted in 1980. They were named The Ape Caves by a group of scouts in honor of their sponsor, the St Helens Apes. The caves are fairly family friendly and I’ve explored it numerous times. The last time I was there, I was impressed again by the total darkness of the cave in spite of the flashlights we carried. The pathway was easier to follow since more people have explored it, but the walls and floors are still rough and unforgiving if you brush against them with bare skin. Our group took the longer route which included a scramble over walls and rocks and ended with a natural exit after a mile and a half. It was a helpless feeling, in spite of the flashlights we all brought, in the cave’s darkness. I recall seeing a light in the distance that seemed fairly bright. I wondered what kind of light they’d installed in the cave to make it so bright, and was surprised when we came to the light that it was merely a tiny crack in the ceiling that let in a small amount of sunlight.

At last, we made it to the end and scrambled out into the parking lot. Stumbling around in the darkness was uncomfortable for me and I was relieved when I could see again.

When Jesus–who was God–walked this earth he made an outrageous claim when he said the following:

I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life (John 8:12 NLT).

In this dark time of our civilization where untold atrocities are happening, Jesus promises a light.

For me, there’s only one place I can place my trust. We can’t depend on our government to help, for our world to be safe. Jesus promises himself.

I can tell you he’s been faithful to me so many times. I’ve observed it in my parents’ lives as well and numerous others who trust in God. Why do I trust him? Because he gave his life for me. For you. He just asks us to trust and believe in him. I love reading the red letters–the actual words of Jesus–in the New Testament, but there are also promises in the Old Testament as well. Today I read that “God is a stronghold in the day of trouble “(Nahum 1:7). I was reminded to “trust God’s care” (Isaiah 50:10. To “trust in the Lord and rely on God” (Psalm 37:1-6). And my favorite passage,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT).

He will show the right path–when we “seek his will”. How do we do that? Immerse ourselves in his perfect word. Then the path will be shown to us. We don’t have to stumble as I did in the cave. So vivid in my memory was the bright, natural light that was merely a crack that let a beam of sunlight in and it reminds me again of Jesus’ claim that he was the light of the world.

When I read God’s word, I sometimes enjoy reading it out loud. It has more meaning and depth to it when I do. Give it a try, I pray reading it and reciting it gives you hope and assurance this day, and in the uncertain days to come.

Enjoy the music–this guy can play the guitar!

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