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Dr. Del Tackett is the author, architect and teacher for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project, a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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Jewel Cave, South Dakota
Posted on July 12, 2009
Filed Under Personal |
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
Jewel Cave is a few miles west of Custer, South Dakota.
It is enormous.
It is the second longest cave in the world—146 miles. There is a map in the visitor’s center showing the passageways and caverns they have discovered so far. Based upon the amount of air that the cave “breathes” in and out, they estimate that it could be up to five thousand miles in length. (That’s clear across the U.S. and halfway back!)
We went on a lantern tour and it was awesome. They only take small groups, which meant ours primarily consisted of our family clan: my sister & her husband, my two nieces, my oldest son, my daughter and her husband, and my two grandsons. Each of us was issued an oil lantern and given a short safety briefing about how not to get burned and the dangers in the cave—along with the pointed warnings of what we were about to do and “does anyone wish to back out at this point?”
Our tour was not nearly as difficult, however, as the Jewel Cave “adventure tour”. To qualify for it, you had to be able to squeeze through an opening that was 8 ½ inches high and 24 inches wide. I failed. (That’s me in the picture…trying first face down, then face up…neither worked) If I had let all the air out of my lungs, I might have gotten my chest half-way in, but then I would have had the problem of desiring to breathe (which I find myself often wanting to do). The “adventure” tour is not for the faint-hearted or claustrophobic or people who are fond of inhaling air in tight spots. Those who are doing exploration and mapping in Jewel Cave have to spend days in the cave to reach the temporary “end-points”, crawling through places smaller than the “adventure” tour offers. One section is called “the miseries”…over a third of a mile of tight spot crawling. Makes my flesh crawl!
Anyway, our lantern tour was fascinating. The only bad part was when the guide made me put my camera back in the truck. No one was allowed to have anything “dangling” from their neck and we were required to have one hand free (the other was holding the lantern). So, I have no pictures of the cave.
There were no exceptionally small spaces like those on the “adventure” tour, but there were sections where we had to duck walk or semi-crawl (my niece turned around to me and told me this was only for “stoop-ed” people. I told her I qualified.)
I love my nieces. They are special people.
By the way, when you are down inside the earth in a massive cave, it is dark (hence the lanterns). I was the “caboose”, the one responsible for ensuring that everyone got to the next cavern. Upon each arrival, I was to announce “all here”. Being the caboose allowed me to turn around on occasion and look back at the passages and caverns we had just travelled and to notice just how absolutely dark it was down there. I also noticed that our lanterns were only sufficient to light up the next step along our path. I was thinking of the promise of God that He is the lamp unto our feet. That means He will very seldom show you more than the next step—he has painted over the windshield. Our problem is that we usually want to see the whole enchilada…the whole story. But He has ordained that our relationship with Him will be one of faith, which means He wants us to trust Him—be content with just the next step. I usually tell my students that if they find themselves afraid of the future, it is probably because they are driving the car. Slide over and let Him drive. You really can trust Him—with your very life and soul.
That is what makes the Christian walk so exciting. It is painful when we try to manipulate the events ourselves…trying to write our own story. But when we walk in faith, it is an absolute adventure!
So, Jewel Cave was amazing. We fulfilled our guide’s objective—everything that went in the cave was supposed to come out. It would be extremely easy to get lost in the overwhelming labyrinth down there (take a closer look at the map above). But his job was to make sure we didn’t. All of this reminded me that when we are faced with big decisions or the unknowns of life—the caverns that have dozens of passageways or the tunnels that branch left and right and are pitch black down each, He will be faithful to get us out of the cave—by showing us the next step. But not more than that—just one at a time.
I’m okay with that.
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
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28 Responses to “Jewel Cave, South Dakota”
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Neat, thanks much for sharing, brother!
A few related thoughts:
* With God’s Word, we can see a step or two ahead; without it, we are in total darkness! That is the state that unbelievers are in — “the blind leading the blind” — spiritually. Don’t be surprised when you see them act accordingly — but share the light of your “lamp” (the Word), in word and deed, and pray that God would give them eyes to see.
* Even believers can think we really see and understand much more than we really do. Do you find yourself frustrated or impatient with God, or thinking He must not be involved in your life since things are going certain ways? Are you like Job’s friends, who see someone else in a “bad situation” and wonder what they’ve done to be “cursed” so? Remember, God’s plan and ways are FAR above our ability to see or understand them. Remember, too, that glorifying God and loving — commands and an incredible honor for us to do — can be done no matter how little we can “see” or how dark the place we are in seems to be!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
Prov. 3:5-6 (NIV)
Hey!!! I did not know you came over to South Dakota!!! Hey! You should come over again for a visit sometime in South Dakota, it’s beautiful over here and I’m sure its the same all over the world that the Lord has made in his creation (”The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalms 19:1) God bless you Dr. Del Tackett
God’s humor, joy, wisdom and creative intelligence astound me. I am grateful He reveals Himself to me so that I get to appreciate Him. I love appreciating God’s Workmanship.
We just finished week 5 in the Truth Project. I’ve been completely blown away! Thank you for such an eye-opening and timely series.
I’ve been convonced recently that I need to pray for “manna for the day” in the tradition of the manna that the israelites were given in the wilderness. THe Lord is always faithful to give us exactly what we need, right on His time. Praise the Lord!
My mom has been dealing with an extended illness. She has been in the hospital since March, and we’ve even had to deal with multiple hospitals. Insurance demands she be discharged at certain times, so we play the game of what to next so that her recovery continues, and yet she’s still covered.
I live in Colorado. She lives in Texas. We both deal with wondering what will happen next. We have to fight the urge to plan ahead because we don’t have enough information to plan until a day or two ahead (that includes my travel back and forth to Texas and the care of my husband and children). I’m certain she deals with this more than me because it’s her health that’s involved.
I say this much about our situation because it’s been an amazing time of learning to trust God with the future. We have no choice. There is no other path, and God is using it as an incredible classroom. Right now, Mom’s concerned that she will be sent home before she should be–for her own saftey. My reassurances are, ‘I don’t know what will happen, but I know whatever happens, you will be safe. You won’t be alone.’
God’s assurances are the same. ‘You will be safe with me. You won’t be alone.’
Some lessons are really difficult, but I remember a similar time in a cave where God showed me the same lesson. (Cave of the Winds–right here at home) I love his object lessons and illustrations. Because when you find yourself in the heat of a fight, you know you’re safe; he’s right there.
Each time I (we - my husband and I) facilitate the Truth Project, God uses those folks in that part of the body in concert with the teachings of the TP to light the next part of the path. God has used you to create a lamp in this world that continues to illumine His Word lamp by lamp and step by step.
I am looking forward to my next group as I know I will grow. Also, the creation of TrueU is an answer to prayer for us and our church with the youth that God has drawn into our local body of believers. We give God thanks for you and the ministry He has given you.
This makes me think of my visit to Crystal Cave in California. At one point during the tour our guide had us extinguish all of our lights, the absolute darkness was scary. This is eternity without God.
COOL!!! This is where I live! Well, not Jewel Cave, but near there - Rapid City. Glad I didn’t know you were in the area Dr. T, or I’d have lost lots of sleep in excited anticipation of possibly seeing you!!!!!
God bless you … you are amazing.
I just read a friends post on facebook that said
“God not only plays dice. He also sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen. — Stephen Hawking”
That made me sad. This made me happy, and I want to share it with that friend. God is not playing dice where they cannot be seen, he is leading us through a dark cave and giving us enough light to duck, squeeze, crawl and yes, even walk. If we were to see more we would be too afraid to keep going and we would turn back. We’d never make our destination.”
We live in Rapid City and glad to hear you enjoyed the Black Hills, in my opinion the best place in the world to live and raise a family. Blessings!
Thanx for sharing… your story moved me.
Thank you very much, Dr. Tackett. This was encouraging to me, and I appreciate your “realness” and thoughts.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I often wonder why God doesn’t give us more information to help us make important decisions that affect our future and our loved ones. I look back and see times that God seemed to have a hand in thwarting my attempts to be successful in endeavors that I thought were honorable and worthwhile. Picturing myself with you in that cave, engulfed in darkness, with a little lantern barely illuminating the treacherous path ahead, helped me to realize that our Father hasn’t given us a puzzle to figure out, but instead a Guide to lead us one step of faith after another. He knows the end from the beginning. He has a plan for us and makes every step fulfilling, even when we don’t understand where He is leading. But I know that His plan is light-years beyond any plans I could make for myself.
Oh how great is our God! His greatest desire is for us to love and trust Him, step by step, until we have learned to walk in His Spirit as His children, living with His nature active within us!
May God’s blessings continue to increase for you and your family and your ministry. And may you continue to find jewels in everyday life, showing everyone how the Father’s hand is with us every day in our common activities.
Hi Dr. Tackett,
Thank you for the Truth Project and for this glimpse into your life. The example you used about the lantern and the Lord’s leading us through our lives. I needed to read that today.
Are you ever coming to the Ft. Worth, TX. area? If so, when? I know the Granbury group would love to come and see you. We’re in our 10th week.
God bless you and your family!
Teresa
Granbury, TX.
Thanks for sharing about your adventures in the caverns. I too would not be able to squeeze through those small places. Your analogy of the darkness and our walk of faith were enlightening. I find it is the simple things in life that teach us the greatest lessons of who our God is.
Please continue to share.
Blessings
Pastor Cassandra
Thank you Dr. Tackett for sharing your insights. I love it when God reveals to us His lessons through His creation.
Like Michelle, we are dealing with health issues of aging parents. It is a journey and a classroom where likewise, God is teaching me to learn to walk one step at a time in the light He reveals. He has not failed us, but continues to prove Himself trustworthy. I don’t know what circumstances I will face tomorrow, but I know if I stay focused on the face and words of Jesus, His light will guide me thorough, one step at a time.
I also appreciate Chandra’s words - “he is leading us through a dark cave and giving us enough light to duck, squeeze, crawl and yes, even walk. If we were to see more we would be too afraid to keep going and we would turn back. We’d never make our destination.”
What a loving God we serve! He never leaves us or forsakes us but is always there!
God bless you! Peggy
Del, thanks for sharing your experience in the cave. Knowing that there were others holding lanterns ahead of you spoke to me about the need for “community” and to walk in fellowship with like minded believers - 1 John 1:7 - Thanks for walking in the light.
You have been a blessing to me.
Don
Boy does this one fit my current cocoon. I can’t believe how hard it is to lay down pride and self and “move over and let Him drive”.
I am so enjoying facilitating your material and just want to keep doing it. The church needs this desperately.
Thank you for this story today, I needed it. But about the caves , not my idea of fun!
Great analogy! All the above comments show that we are all in the same boat . . . wanting control & not yielding to Him. HE’s teaching me this RIGHT NOW. (& in a loving & tender way, although I don’t deserve it!-any of it!)
In Lewis’s “The Narnian Chronicles”, the children are waiting to return to Narnia & Peter makes the statement/query - “How long does HE expect us to wait? It’s been almost a year!”
I’m guilty of the same impatience & control-freak nature. HIS way, HIS timing, HE’s sovereign!
Karchner Caves east of Tuscon is another wonder - sort of like the Grand Canyon but with a roof. Veiled in total darkness for thousands of years, the recently found caves are kept unspoiled as a State Park. Light now reveals God’s awesome handiwork.
God is an awesome God! For those of you taking care of an aging parent, we were there. Grandma went to be with the Lord last February. The amazing thing is that we literally took her care and life one day at a time, not worrying about whats to come. God took the worry, stress, and grief and allowed us to see His blessings throughout this process. I can give glory to God even during what could have been an overwhelming situation. We don’t see the future, He does. He wants us to rest! He will light the way. We just need to look for His blessings along the way, He is good!
Dr. Tackett,
Thank you so much for your insights, your love for God brings light to my path. In every event in my life, patience is almost always tested. It gives me great comfort to know that God Himself is lighting my very next step & that in the very end we will know His true glory! Similar indeed to why we cannot fully see God’s face, but we must gaze upon it. Your faith is an inspiration to me & I pray He continues to bless you on your journey.
I just want to say “thank you.” This was a good reminder of some essential truths. I love how we can learn so much about God from the things He has made. And, I need constant reminders!
2008-the 40th year since the Spirit of Christ chose to reveal “The Great Exchange” was for me as well! The 40th year since The Holy Spirit entered a sunlit room at noon, healing me of hep.B as missionary elders prayed the prayer from James! The 40th year since being baptized in a river, then with The Holy Spirit and fire! 2009-our 40th wedding anniversary!! I was told to tell all who keep seeking and searching that he Truth is a PERSON! JESUS CHRIST!!! Thank you ALL at Focus on the Family for your love of The Truth. Your ministry has helped make ours and countless more homes a sanctuary of normalcy in Christ and the Body of Christ. We are viewing and discussing the Truth Project with Annette at 1st Christian Church in Kerrville,Tx. Thank you Del and family, and all who contribute to this project. Even after all that, spiritual maturity in the CHARACTER OF CHRIST continues! Thank God for His GRACE!!! Oh- by the way- I am 65 and my liver still quivers ok!!!
Del,
My family and I are leaving today from L.A. for Colorado and the Black Hills. We will be visiting Custer State Park and the place where I served as a “student minister” while in Seminary in Denver back in the ’80’s. My wife and I want our kids to see the areas where dad lived and worked the summer of ‘84 and to see God’s wonderful and marvelous creation. John Muir said: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” I will be testing that theory over the next two weeks! Thanks for all you do Del. My small group truly enjoyed The Truth Project. I still haven’t recovered! Thanks!
Del~
We too visited some interesting caves and cavarns this month, the Lewis and Clark Cavarns in Montana. I have to agree with you on every point. It’s dark, cold, confined and amazing all at the same time.
Our youngest, age 5, decided it was too much, and she and I turned back, after ascending 300 feet up to the enterance, and 128 stairs down, once inside. At this point, we were on our own. Not to far in, but far enough in to need to trust God to keep calm and guide our steps.
You see, we didn’t have the benefit of lanterns. We had some small lights at our feet, every few feet… but portions were dark. I found myself really asking God to guide my steps, and help me not to give into the panic that wanted to knock on my door, in such an unfamilar place.
My husband, and our 3 other childern, did continue to tour, and had a blast. They loved it when the guide turned out all the lights.
Darkness now has a new meaning to all of them. As well as seeing God’s creation in a new way. It was a great learning tool for showing our children that God created all things, even those in the darkest places, and that we constantly need Him to guide us through all the uncertain things in our lives.
I am constantly amazed at God’s creation, and how we are able to use that creation as learning tools. It makes me love Him all the more.
As we have a lamp to see our next step, let us look up daily to also see the reflection of the eyes of those that God allows to cross our paths daily and then connect to the opportunity to invest in lives that God allows us to serve. It is like a deer in the headlights, we have to slow down to take in the opportunities He gives us daily. Father let my eyes be focused on the opportunities you give me today to invest in the lives you allow my path to cross. Let it be so.