Psalm 34

“‘I have come,’ said a deep voice behind them. They turned and saw the Lion himself, so bright and real and strong that everything else began at once to look pale and shadowy compared with him.”  C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair

My Chronicles of Narnia fanhood started budding in elementary school, after an enchanting film version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was released in theaters and sparked my interest in the book series. During middle school, in the whirlwind of emotions and self-exploration that ensues in early adolescence, I found myself comforted by the imagery of a magnificent golden lion with a deep, warm voice showing up to save a magical land that had been flooded with dark forces. Thereafter, Lewis’ depiction of Christ through the character of Aslan became a vehicle for enhancing my bond with Jesus Himself; seeing myself as a child journeying through the dark wilderness of the world under the guidance of this magnificent king has helped me to feel God’s closeness throughout the various challenges and stressors that come with growing up and trying to live a purposeful life in a broken world. Interestingly, middle school is also when my battle with chronic anxiety began, and I now understand that God was tenderly and thoughtfully installing imagery in my mind that would help me continue to feel that warmth and closeness throughout the years. 

When I read the opening of Psalm 34, I’m reminded of the images and sensations that mark my experience of finding peace in God’s presence. The Great Lion shows up and answers me when I seek Him, and I am filled with warmth and light when I look to Him. My racing thoughts are released and tensed muscles are relaxed when I remember and proclaim that He has saved me from my troubles time after time. And when I think of what He’s like - bright, real, strong, HERE—all of my fears begin to look “pale and shadowy compared with him.”