I am not ashamed to admit that I LOVE Disney! I grew up watching all those classic Disney films (and still enjoy watching them just as much now!), and also am highly skilled in being fluent in Disney lyrics! Recently, I was listening to my Disney playlist – Yes, I am that obsessed! – when one of the songs from Lion King 2 came on – He Lives in You. For those of you who are not familiar (disappointed face), the song reflects the part of the film where Simba is remembering who he is, that his father, Mufasa, lives on in him. During the following few days, the lyrics of that song kept coming back to me. I started to listen to the words not merely as a song from a Disney film but instead from a Christian perspective. The meaning suddenly changed and became a really powerful and encouraging message. One I feel I needed to share with you!
Let’s start by unpacking the lines within the chorus:
He lives in you,
He lives in me,
He watches over,
Everything we see.
Into the water,
Into the truth,
In your reflection,
He lives in you.
It opens with the beautiful image of how God lives in us. Similar to the representation within the film, our loving Father lives within us, reminding us who we are. When we become a Christian and accept the Holy Spirit, it dwells within us. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul asks the Corinthian believers a question:
“Or do you not realise about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?”
2 Corinthians 13:5
Like the Corinthians, we need to realise this fact for ourselves. Jesus is a part of us, not merely an outside helper; our identity is in Him!
“I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”
Galatians 20:20
Secondly, not only does God live within us but he watches over everything we see and all that is before us. How much of a comfort is that?! It’s hard when things do not turn out the way we expected or hoped they would, but it’s so encouraging to remember that God has got it all in hand. There are SO many reminders in the bible of God’s constant presence and almighty love for us, but here are just a few of my favourite verses:
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
“The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
Psalm 121:8 NLT
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for He is right beside me.”
Psalm 16:8 NLT
Lastly, the idea that Jesus is in our reflections, because He lives within us. But when we look at ourselves can we see Jesus? What do you see in your own reflection? I know for myself, I struggle with my self-worth, and quite often I’m quick to highlight my flaws above anything else: “I’m not good enough… I will never be able to do that…” etc. However, as a Christian, if you have accepted Jesus into your life, and He is living within us, then surely our perspective of ourselves should be completely different. Through Jesus’ almighty grace and love we are good enough! When God looks at our reflections He does not see our blemished selves, but instead because of the cross, we have been made new; made beautiful in the image of Christ.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
On the other hand, this idea also creates a challenge for us to consider. Are others able to see Jesus in our reflections? Through our day-to-day encounters with others, do we emphasis the love, compassion, forgiveness and kindness of our Saviour? We need to strive to become more like Christ as it says in the verse below;
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT
With God living within us we can find comfort, hope and strength, again a point displayed within the verse:
Wait,
There's no mountain too great,
Hear these words and have faith.
No matter what trials or ‘mountains’ we find ourselves facing on our journeys, they are never too great to tackle with God on our side.
“I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea’, and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.”
Mark 11:23 NLT
We may hear these words but we must remember to have faith, and fully trust in the knowledge that God is always with us and He will guide us to the top of the mountain, one step at a time. Having a strong faith rooted in Him, will be enough to move your mountains.
Why not take some time to listen to this song for yourself. Pray over the words and ask God to remind you daily that He is with you; guiding and protecting you. To remember that your identity is in Christ and not in the world. Finally, to challenge you with the opportunities to reflect more of Jesus to those you meet.
So, hear these words and have faith!
God Bless! 🙂
STEADFAST 