Out of Moab

Here is a very brief plot summary for those who haven’t read it. Four children (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) end up in a country called Narnia, by way of a mysterious wardrobe. Narnia, a land of talking animals, was being ruled by the evil White Witch who made it always winter (and never Christmas). But Aslan (a talking lion) was the creator of Narnia and was the true ruler who with the help of the children and the good talking animals, came back to Narnia to defeat the White Witch once and for all, ending the constant winter.

I’ve read this series dozens of times since I was young, so I am obviously very familiar with the themes. But each time I read it, different things are highlighted. What stood out to me this time?

Always winter and never Christmas

However, with God no winter is permanent; even when I can’t see what is happening, I can be confident that God is working under the surface to bring life that may only be evident in the next season.

Turkish Delight – the blinding nature of sin.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13

The older I get, the more I can see this dynamic play out and try to be aware of it. I pray for the Spirit to keep me sensitive, but I also need to make sure I’m not isolating myself, as encouragement from others can help to keep from being hardened by sin.

Aslan’s breath brings life

When Aslan finally returned to Narnia, there was a scene where he went to the witch’s castle and found those whom she had turned to stone. He breathed on them, and they were brought back to life. This is such a beautiful picture of the power of the breath of God. From the very beginning, God breathed into Adam to give him life, then Jesus breathed on the disciples to give them the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22). The breath of God creates, renews and brings to life that which we thought was dead and beyond any hope of recovery.

Finding refuge in a God who isn’t “safe”.

We all have to wrestle at some point with the idea of a God who is supposed to be our protector yet somehow allows physical and emotional harm throughout our lives. So what can it mean to find refuge in Him when He doesn’t seem to provide the safety we might expect? There are no easy answers, especially when dealing with anxiety which makes it difficult to ever truly feel safe.

He isn’t safe but He’s good – and His goodness is a more constant refuge than mere protection from harm could ever be. I’m trying to learn how to lean into His goodness when I’m feeling vulnerable and anxious, when everything around and inside of me is in chaos. I need to be able to trust that His goodness and justice will ultimately triumph.

These are some of the things that I was reflecting on as I re-read this story. Now it’s your turn! Feel free to comment below or connect with me here to share your thoughts on any of these questions.

Questions to Ponder:

What themes or ideas stood out to you as you read?

What places in your heart or life might need the renewing breath of God?

How have you experienced God’s goodness amidst trials? How has God’s goodness been a refuge for you?

Next in the series will be Prince Caspian - check back in two weeks!