Which Lion?

“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Do you ever feel the roaring thoughts of condemnation pour in? “Who do you think you are?” “That was stupid.” "They don’t like you.” “They canceled on purpose.” “They’re talking about you.” “You’re failing.” “You’re too much.” “Try harder.” “It’s all your fault.” Victim thoughts separating you from your relationships? “They just think I’m their slave.” “You didn’t even notice what I did for you did you?” “I never get to do anything for me.” “They don’t even see I’m struggling.” “They ruined my plans.” “Don’t they see I’m doing something important?” Or maybe it’s not thoughts, just a feeling of darkness and gloom, unidentifiable, dark, and seemingly endless.

There’s an important word in that verse: LIKE. Our enemy tries to be a lion and can act the part well, causing us to be filled with fear. Nonetheless, it’s just an act.

“Do not weep. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered...” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Jesus IS a lion and He has conquered. He has won a final victory over this fake intrusive lion. He won this victory on our behalf.

While the devil is LIKE a lion roaring at you in attack, Jesus IS a lion firmly standing before you in victory, roaring in your defense.

You are protected. You have been fought for. Your victory is won.

I pray that I choose to focus on the real lion more every day, growing in receiving what has already been won for me.

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