When my family and I were on a tour of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, we found that losing the light can be devastating.

While we were deep in the cave, the lights were extinguished in one of its rooms so that we could experience the cave in its natural state. Instantly we fell into an abyss of darkness. All our senses were lost. Time and space did not exist.

Was this the darkness that was upon the earth in Genesis 1:1? Was this the same as the darkness poured out in Revelation 16:10, when the people would gnaw their tongues because of the pain? We feared to move, for literally you could not see your hand in front of your face.

Gradually people began to speak in reverently subdued voices. Then the lanterns were lit. The guides with lanterns led the way into a tunnel off the room. My daughter and I happened to be the last of the group. We took this opportunity to look back a moment in awe and wonder.

This was a moment too long! The people and the lanterns went around a bend in the tunnel. Once more we were in that impenetrable darkness. As we were about to panic, a light appeared a short distance away.

A voice said, "There you are. I had a feeling someone was left behind. It is a good thing I turned back."

"Thank you! Thank you!" we said together.

Our knees were weak as we walked gratefully to the light, and followed our rescuer closely.

Holding my hand, my daughter said, "Let's stay close all the way, Mom."

"Yes, we will for sure!" I answered.

For the rest of the tour we did just that.

Because of this experience, Psalm 119:105 is ever present with me. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Jesus Christ is the light of the world; He is the Guide who will show the way, through the dark times on earth, into eternal life in His Kingdom (John 8:12).