Achulophobia: The Fear of Darkness

Years ago, my wife and I traveled to Kentucky where I went to seminary and decided to stop and tour Mammoth Cave. The trip marked my first and only time ever to be in a cavern like this, and I’ll never forget it. We descended deep into the cave, and then without warning the guide turned off his flashlight.

Have you ever heard the term achluophobia? It is the fear of darkness. If I didn’t have it before I went into the cave, I think I was afflicted with it after I emerged. Being in complete darkness is unnerving. It induces a sense of helplessness. And yet physical darkness is nothing compared to emotional, relational, and spiritual darkness. When you are in the dark and can’t see your way through, can’t find your way out, Jesus lights the torch. “I am the light of the world.