The Lion and the Light.

You will be safe in His arms. You will be safe in his arms.

When in South Africa we had several encounters with lions. In Sun City's Lion Park we got up close and personal, even holding cubs. They were by no means gentle, yet there was an irresistible quality to the little guys that made you wish they were just a bit more cuddly than they actually were. Later during our trip we went on a game drive that began in late afternoon and lasted through the first hours of darkness. Early in our drive we came across part of a pride lounging on the side of the road. Two females, a male and some cubs sat watching us, watching them. They began to walk around our vehicles. In and out, in and out and around. It's a little unsettling having a giant, wild lion walking around you without the least bit of fear.

There is nothing quite so incredible as night on the African plains. It is mysterious and grand, and draws you into it. Hours can pass without the realization of their coming or going. And there is a voice on the wind that compels you to enter the depths of the night and discover the adventure you've been aching for . . . Such were my thoughts as I stood on the edges of light created by the giant fire at our braai (barbecue) in the middle of the Pilanesburg Game Park. All my common sense and education on such things knows better than to be on the edge of that untamed darkness, and yet there I was, lingering at an unsafe distance from the fire, wishing to be further immersed in the night . . . until I was pulled back to reality by our protective guide who gently reminded me the fire was the safest place to be. "There are lions out there and they are not afraid of you. Stay in the light." I still remember the feeling of moving from the cool African night to the overwhelming warmth of the fire.

Let light and love come rushing through the door.

Later that night, on our drive back through the park, we came upon a lion with a fresh kill. The best Discovery Channel documentary simply can't do justice to the sight of a male lion ripping into its prey. The creature who just a few hours earlier was close enough to touch was now shredding a springbok as though it were tissue paper.

Tonight, on the edges of my own personal spiritual darkness, this memory pushed to the forefront of my mind and replayed itself in vivid color. I felt the message in the core of my soul: You are safe in the Light. Stay there. Don't flirt with the line between light and darkness. The enemy is a roaring lion, prowling about, seeking whom he may devour. He is not afraid of you, he wants to destroy you. But he fears the light.

You will reign in brilliant light.

Countless times in Scripture God identifies Himself with the Light (1 Jn 1:5, Is. 10:17, 1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 21:23). And Satan is called a lion bent on our destruction (1 Peter 5:8). No doubt the Lion is dangerously powerful. But the Light holds the power of life and death. Not the Lion. Run to the Light and don't stray into the darkness.

You will be safe in His arms. You will be safe in His arms.

~ Anna