Do you ever picture God as a lion? I do. And, in fact, I do this quite often. There is something about the safe mane and sturdy body that provides my heart such rest and a sense of safety.

I look at pictures of this majestic creature and just think, ‘that’s my Jesus.’ The paws of precision and the coat of pure silky fur glowing in the sunlight. To take from The Newsboys, ‘my God is not dead, he’s surely alive living on the inside roaring like a lion.’

Reading C.S.Lewis’ book, ‘The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe’ almost brings me to tears every time. When I read statements from Aslan (the lion protagonist) my heart is stirred with such love and my body ripples with goose bumps.

This character was meant to portray our Savior and Lewis does a tremendous job in painting a picture of fire, love and courage all in one animal. He is the fearless leader in the book, resilient and kind.

This is one of my favorite exchanges in the book between Lucy and Aslan:

“How can we live, never meeting you?” cried Lucy. “But you shall meet me, dear one,” said Aslan. “But there I have a different name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”

I long to know God better. I want to look into those lion eyes and cry, ‘you bled for me.’ You were tied up, hung and ridiculed because of me.’ Some days, here are on earth, may be tougher than others to rest in the security of his mane. Things that are not in our control happen daily. But, dear heart, your lion has overcome the world for you. Hold your head up high.

Talk to God. Cast your cares on him – for he cares for you. If it helps, picture the Lord as the king of all creation – a lion gentle, kind yet fierce (because he is!). And, rest in the shadow of his great paws of protection. He will pounce for you and roar in a weighty sound into the night. He will breathe life into hearts of stone for you because he has the power to do so. And he is your king.