Claustrophobia — News

Balconies Cave Trail, Pinnacles National Park - 08/09/2019

Awhile back we hiked a trail at Pinnacles National Park. It led us right into a cold, damp cave. We couldn’t see but for our headlamps that shone a pale beam at our feet.

We were new to the trail and didn’t know what lay ahead. The passageway became so dark and narrow that we had to feel our way. The walls and ceiling closed in around us until we were crawling. We didn’t know how deep the cave went, or if, as my worst fears suggested, we would ever get out.

Claustrophobic, I was keen to get through the darkness as quickly as possible. I refused to stop and kept our family moving, desperate to see the sun.

Finally, we spotted a bright light cutting through the blackness. Relief rushed over me as we climbed out of the cave and breathed in the free air.

It was only then that I realized how tightly I had been gripping Azar. While we were enveloped in darkness, unable to see, I had sought out his hand and drew him near. We had stayed close to one another the rest of journey.

This year feels like we’ve descended into a cave. The coronavirus has affected how we work, how we vacation, how we attend school or even church. We are feeling our way, unsure of how long the journey will take or if we will ever get out.

Fear has us desperately searching for a ray of hope. Committees have been formed. Zoom calls have commenced. Meetings have been held for the sole purpose of finding a well lit path.

As believers, we riffle through the pages of scripture, wanting direction. We cry out to God, “Show us the way out!” We’re scared of the dark and anxious for answers.

But God is not in a hurry to give them, not because he is calloused to our fears, but because he cares about our faith.

Our faith is precious to him.

“There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

What if the Christian life is less about knowing the answers, and more about knowing the Almighty?

Instead of clarity, God offers us closeness. He patiently waits for our hand to reach out and find his, and he draws near to us in the dark.

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10

Are you seeking the Divine or merely his direction?

God offers us more than just his help. He offers us himself.

“The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land… he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near.” Acts 17:26-29

As we walk through the darkness of this year, may we stop demanding God’s plans and delight in God’s presence. Instead of asking for his instruction, let’s ask for his intimacy.

Let’s not clamber to get out of the dark.

Let’s cling to The Light.