Do you remember the scene from the movie, The Lion King, in which Mufasa revealed to Simba his identity? It was a pivotal turning point in the movie. Mufasa's endearing impartation was what inspired Simba to take his rightful place in the kingdom. There are many elements that could be unpacked in that short, but powerful scene. One of them being was Simba being "seen" and fully known by his father. It embodied Simba feeling validated, affirmed, empowered, and loved. It was Simba understanding who he is and embracing his identity. Did this poignant moment mean that Simba's life would be sans challenges, obstacles, and hardships? No, quite the contrary. Simba ultimately faced an arduous journey, full of self-discovery; but it was the recollection, realization, and embracing of his father's words that brought him full circle.
The message of this movie is not germane to this movie alone. It is an overarching theme to numerous films, books, theater performances, etc. It is subtle, yet voluminous and age-old question that the human soul longs to have answered: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? Identity is key. When we do not know who we are, we will allow others to define us--directly and indirectly. We are then catapulted into the land of the lost. For those of us who may not had the benefit of being "seen" or "known" by a parent or parent-figure, we are left to figure it out for ourselves. This goes against human nature, as relational people we have an innate deep core longing to be known, validated, and understood. We want, albeit need, to know that we are people of worth, significance, and importance. The realization of self is found in relationships and connection.
Without a sense of self, we walk through life groping in emotional darkness; feeling aimless and helpless. A wise psychologist said it best, "How can I know myself when I wasn't known?" A pointed, introspective question that is important to contemplate. Are we willing and courageous enough to ask ourselves the hard questions that steer us toward self-discovery? Are we willing to be emotionally honest enough to admit I was not known? It may be a painful discourse, but it is a bold step towards the healing of an unidentified, wounded, broken heart.
The good news is that no soul wound is beyond the reach of God's warmth and his healing balm of love, redemption, and acceptance. The good news is that we are not lost in the eyes of God. He knows exactly where we are (Psalm 139). The good news is that we are fully known by our heavenly Father. The good news is that the word of God tells us that before we were conceived, he KNEW (H 3045.yada: acknowledged, acquainted, chosen, familiar, recognized, aware, understood) us (Jeremiah 1:5). We were created with a purpose, plan, and destiny. Our identity was established in him in eternity past. This is not conjecture or a mere pep talk--it is the word of God. If you are not a person of faith, it may not resonate with you. But, it is the infallible, inerrant word of God. No child is a mistake, but rather a gift--valuable, precious, and honored (Isaiah 43:4). Even if it seems hard to hear or receive, we volitionally accept these truths of God by faith. We change our focus and turn our eyes to Jesus. We look to Him to unravel the mystery of our being and dispel the life lies we have believed (I Corinthians 13:12) and thereby receive the freedom to live (John 10:20) and be that Christ came to give us. (Luke 4:18). We do the hard work and lay our brokenness before the Father, trusting him for healing, wholeness, and restoration.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess that I,______________, long to be known of myself. I have felt unknown and invisible. I pray that I would find myself in you. I thank you that you know me and I am fully loved and accepted by you. I lay the burdens that come with the unknown--the worry, the fear, the anxiety, the confusion, the anger, the shame, and the resentment. I receive your light, your love, your direction, comfort, and guidance. Thank you that your grace is sufficient. Thank you that I am whole and complete in you. I receive these truths of your word by faith. Amen.
The message of this movie is not germane to this movie alone. It is an overarching theme to numerous films, books, theater performances, etc. It is subtle, yet voluminous and age-old question that the human soul longs to have answered: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? Identity is key. When we do not know who we are, we will allow others to define us--directly and indirectly. We are then catapulted into the land of the lost. For those of us who may not had the benefit of being "seen" or "known" by a parent or parent-figure, we are left to figure it out for ourselves. This goes against human nature, as relational people we have an innate deep core longing to be known, validated, and understood. We want, albeit need, to know that we are people of worth, significance, and importance. The realization of self is found in relationships and connection.
Without a sense of self, we walk through life groping in emotional darkness; feeling aimless and helpless. A wise psychologist said it best, "How can I know myself when I wasn't known?" A pointed, introspective question that is important to contemplate. Are we willing and courageous enough to ask ourselves the hard questions that steer us toward self-discovery? Are we willing to be emotionally honest enough to admit I was not known? It may be a painful discourse, but it is a bold step towards the healing of an unidentified, wounded, broken heart.
The good news is that no soul wound is beyond the reach of God's warmth and his healing balm of love, redemption, and acceptance. The good news is that we are not lost in the eyes of God. He knows exactly where we are (Psalm 139). The good news is that we are fully known by our heavenly Father. The good news is that the word of God tells us that before we were conceived, he KNEW (H 3045.yada: acknowledged, acquainted, chosen, familiar, recognized, aware, understood) us (Jeremiah 1:5). We were created with a purpose, plan, and destiny. Our identity was established in him in eternity past. This is not conjecture or a mere pep talk--it is the word of God. If you are not a person of faith, it may not resonate with you. But, it is the infallible, inerrant word of God. No child is a mistake, but rather a gift--valuable, precious, and honored (Isaiah 43:4). Even if it seems hard to hear or receive, we volitionally accept these truths of God by faith. We change our focus and turn our eyes to Jesus. We look to Him to unravel the mystery of our being and dispel the life lies we have believed (I Corinthians 13:12) and thereby receive the freedom to live (John 10:20) and be that Christ came to give us. (Luke 4:18). We do the hard work and lay our brokenness before the Father, trusting him for healing, wholeness, and restoration.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess that I,______________, long to be known of myself. I have felt unknown and invisible. I pray that I would find myself in you. I thank you that you know me and I am fully loved and accepted by you. I lay the burdens that come with the unknown--the worry, the fear, the anxiety, the confusion, the anger, the shame, and the resentment. I receive your light, your love, your direction, comfort, and guidance. Thank you that your grace is sufficient. Thank you that I am whole and complete in you. I receive these truths of your word by faith. Amen.
