A Recovered King

I despise doubt and unbelief and how it creeps upon me, fogging my mind and weighing down my life.

But I’m recovering.

I was today reminded of a scene in my favorite trilogy of films, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. In it, the marvelous King of Rohan, Theoden, has been under the terrible influence of a demonic spellbinder. While Theoden still sits on the throne, he no longer believes he is much of anything, and no longer understands the meaning of his own crown, nor wields the mighty sword of his kingdom. Instead, others of ignoble birth and evil intent direct a kingdom now in chaos.

As God would have it(!), a trio of valiant warriors break through to rescue him, along with Gandalf, who exposes and rebukes the spellbinder, releasing Theoden, King of Rohan. Rising slowly to his feet, his senses and eyes grow clearer. “Dark have been my dreams of late,” he says wistfully. Theoden looks at his hand and can scarcely move its fingers.

Gandalf, intent upon restoring the King, says, “Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword.”

The King’s second in command offers it to him, and, slowly taking it into his grasp, Theoden draws it from its scabbard. The evil, wormy spellbinder instantly squirms to get away, while the King looks at the sword somewhat in wonder. Suddenly, understanding lights his eyes and his face grows fierce. The recovering King glowers at the enemy and angrily hurls him out of the throne room.

“Hail! Theoden King!” comes the triumphant cry from all around, who look to him with renewed wonder, awe and thankfulness.

So, how are you, royal son? How are you, regal daughter? How have the thoughts playing in your head matched up to the dazzling crown on your head? Has The Spellbinder been whispering “dark dreams” to you, too?

“Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword.”

Remember what God has made of you, take Him at His word, and act like He meant it. He did! Throw off the contrary lies, and praise The King who shares His glory with you. You may remember your crown by singing a song to God, or by proclaiming a truth aloud, or by grasping your Bible and holding it up as the sword it is . . . and kick the evil one’s butt out the door. You’ll regain strength and stand again as the royal son or daughter you are.

And The Spellbinder will scurry off, fearful of a recovered king.

You’re better off than you think . . . but you are thinking.

Ralph