I have three young children, so Disney movies are popular in our home. The other night my kids were watching The Lion King, and although they have watched it many times before, I heard one of the phrases in the movie in a new way. If you are familiar with the movie, you know that young Simba (the lion prince) runs away from the Pride Lands in an effort to escape his evil uncle, Scar, who makes him believe that he is responsible for Mufasa’s death. As Simba grows, under the care of a meerkat and warthog, he becomes accustomed to their “worry free� way of life.

Meanwhile Simba’s childhood friend, Nala, has escaped Scar’s evil reign and is seeking help to rescue them from the oppression they are suffering. She finds Simba and asks him to take his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands. However, Simba refuses saying that he is no longer the lion she once knew. Later his father, Mufasa, appears to him in the clouds and confronts him with the truth. Mufasa tells him, “Simba, remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king�. Now, I know you are probably thinking that this is a silly comparison to our real life circumstances, but I truly believe that when we are actively seeking to hear God’s voice in everything we do, He will speak to us in the most unexpected ways!

If you think back on your life, or perhaps it is your present situation, have you ever tried running from God? Have you allowed yourself to believe the lies around you and forgotten who you are? There have been many times in my personal life that I have strayed from God’s will and tried to live life my way. I have committed many mistakes along the way and have felt unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness. But as much as we try to run from God or mess things up, that will not change his love for us. Romans 8:39 says, “No power in the sky above or in the earth below â€" indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.â€� You, my friend, matter to God. When we run from Him and come to a place where we don’t know where to turn, He is there to remind us who we are. We are His children, bought with a high price, and we are fully loved by Him. Life may not always be easy when we follow Christ, in fact the Bible says we will be persecuted, but when we are, to be happy about it because God will bless us and reward us in Heaven!²

One thing I can say is that God is waiting for you. Wherever you may find yourself today, despite what you may be feeling, remember who, and whose, you are.

Suggested prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have tried to run from you. Forgive me for allowing myself to believe the lies that the world offers. When I stray from you, I pray that you would remind me who I am and bring me back to you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and looking past my mistakes. Thank you for your forgiveness through Jesus. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being called your child. There is nothing else I’d rather be. In Jesus’ name, amen.�

1. 1 John 3:1 (NLT).

2. Matthew 5:10-12.