The Approach to the Inmost Cave

  • 1. “There comes a time in the spiritual life when one of the major things God is up to is to lovingly help us see ourselves more clearly. This is a very challenging element of the spiritual life…”

    Sacred Rhythms, pg. 91

  • 2. "Our invitation to approach the Inmost Cave is an invitation to engage the deepest, most hidden places in our hearts. "

    Pat Butler

  • 3. "Confronting your own weaknesses as well as strengths; Going on when you’re discouraged; Telling the truth when you don’t want to; Taking responsibility for situations that require action; overcoming the greedy desire to have the coolest stuff and sticking to the wisest path in the midst of conflict...

  • 4. ...These experiences test the very foundation of what you believe about who you are. Not only that, but they test what you believe about the One who got you started on this adventure in the first place: God.”

    Walking with Bilbo, Sarah Arthur, Kindle Ed.

  • 5. “And yet one of the deepest longings of the human heart is to be known and loved unconditionally. We long to know that someone in this world knows everything about us and loves us anyway.”

    Ibid, pg. 91

Colorful abstract cave with person silhouette, bright neon lights, flowing river, and glowing walls.

This is one of the most artistic collaborations you can engage in.  And as we do so, God brings us into our deep hearts for healing and restoration.  It is not good enough to say we are broken people.  We are broken people, being restored.  Get involved in your own restoration process.  Collaborate with God.  Go into your deep heart. 

Approaching this heart, we interact with the Living God.  We do business. 

We believe, we cry out, we pray, we hear calls, gifts, vocations, and identity. 

How do we let Christ in?  How do you do it now?

  • As we consider approaching the inmost cave of our hearts:

  • What is the geography of your heart?

  • How do you approach it?

  • Do you approach it, or avoid it?

  • Are you afraid or intrigued?

  • Are you the curious adventurer, or the Cowardly Lion?

  • Indiana Jones or his Indian servant, so terrified that he abandoned Dr. Jones in the cave, only to meet a premature death?

    Remember how Indiana Jones approached the cave? He did a lot of preparation, he knew his stuff, and still he only narrowly escaped.

  • In the heart we find blocks, strongholds, that prevent us from really finding and embracing the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

    These are the places that terrify, challenge, provoke, intrigue, mystify and sabotage us.

Threshold Guardians

Remember if you are at a threshold crossing, there are Threshold Guardians trying to keep you from crossing over! 

But the Holy Spirit is a skillful surgeon; he comes and invites us into the Inmost Cave.  He asks us for our hearts again and again. 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”—Rev. 3:20

A warrior in dark armor with large black wings standing on rocky terrain under a moody sky, holding a glowing sword.

Let’s cross the threshold!

  • 6. As you approach the inmost cave, take the proper precautions, make your preparations, and enter. The hero will consistently choose to cross the threshold, remembering...

  • 7. “…the greatest treasures are guarded by our greatest fears.”

    The Writer’s Journey, 2nd Ed., Christopher Vogel, Michael Wiese Productions, Studio City, CA, 1998, pg. 145

  • 8. Do not forget the supreme wonder that is there: Christ in you, the hope of glory. He wants to pour out his love and affirmation, and lead us into who we truly are: with our birthright identities, calls, and vocations—our destiny.

  • 1. One does not enter the Inmost Cave casually. So let’s consider the spiritual equivalents of these preparations, for “If there is a God, there is a map.”

    Back to Virture, Peter Kreeft, pg. 11

One does not enter the Inmost Cave casually.

So let’s consider the spiritual equivalents of these preparations, for “If there is a God, there is a map.”[1]:

[1] Back to Virture, Peter Kreeft, pg. 11

Vintage fantasy map with stylized landmasses and ornate ships in teal and tan color scheme.