INTRODUCTION

The sermon, part of the "At the Movies" series, uses the film "Lion" as a modern-day parable to explore themes of attachment, trauma, and healing through Jesus. Pastor Léonce draws parallels between the story of Saroo, a young boy lost in India, and our own spiritual journeys, emphasizing the innate human need for connection and the healing power of Christ.

Begin your devotion by setting aside a quiet time and space where you can focus on your relationship with God. Open with a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and reflections.

This verse highlights God's unwavering acceptance and love, even when earthly relationships fail us.

These verses emphasize God's omnipresence and His constant guidance and support, no matter where we are.

This scripture assures us of God's healing power and His desire to mend our emotional and spiritual wounds.

UNDERSTANDING ATTACHMENT

1. How do you relate to the concept of fearful/disorganised attachment?

2. Can you identify moments in your life where you have experienced a push-pull dynamic in relationships?

3. In what ways have past experiences shaped your current approach to relationships with others and with God?

EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE

Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or alone. How did you experience God's presence during that time, or how might you invite Him into that memory now?

Psalm 139:7-10 speaks of God's omnipresence. How does this truth impact your understanding of His involvement in your life?"

RUNNING FROM GOD

1. Are there specific areas in your life where you find yourself running from God or resisting His guidance?

2. What fears or expectations might be driving this behavior?

3. How can you begin to trust God more fully in these areas and allow Him to guide you?

HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION

1. What specific wounds or fears do you need to bring to Jesus for healing?

2. How can you create space in your life for His transformative love to work?

3. Consider the role of prayer and Scripture in your healing journey.

4. How can these practices help you experience God's love more deeply?

COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT

1. How can you engage more intentionally with your church community to experience supportive and Christ-centered relationships?

2. What steps can you take to build or strengthen relationships that reflect God's love and provide a safe space for growth and healing?

INVITATION TO FAITH

1. If you are exploring faith or feel distant from God, what steps can you take to draw closer to Him and experience His love firsthand?

2. Reflect on the invitation to accept Jesus into your life. What fears or hesitations might you need to address to take this step?

1. Human Connection and Trauma: Saroo's story highlights the deep human need for connection and the impact of early trauma on attachment styles. His fearful/disorganized attachment style, characterized by a desire for closeness yet fear of rejection, mirrors the struggles many face in relationships.

Personal Reflection: Consider how past experiences have shaped your own attachment style. Are there areas where fear of rejection or abandonment affects your relationships?

2. God's Unfailing Presence: The sermon emphasizes that, unlike human relationships, God's love is steadfast and unwavering. Psalm 27:10 and Psalm 139:7-10 remind us that God is always present, even when we feel abandoned by others.

Personal Reflection: Reflect on moments when you felt alone or abandoned. How can you invite God's presence into those memories for healing?

3. Running from God: Saroo's habit of running from perceived danger is likened to our tendency to run from God when He doesn't act as we expect. Yet, God continually pursues us, offering a secure relational base.

Personal Reflection: Identify areas in your life where you might be running from God. How can you surrender those fears and trust in His pursuit?

4. Healing through Jesus: The sermon invites us to bring our wounds to Jesus, who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). His love offers a safe haven, transforming our fears into confidence and security.

Personal Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking Jesus to heal specific wounds from your past. How can His love reshape your understanding of intimacy and connection?

5. Community and Support: The church community, though imperfect, can provide corrective relational experiences. Engaging with a supportive community can help rewrite fear-based narratives.

Personal Reflection: Consider how you can engage more deeply with your church community. What steps can you take to build supportive, Christ-centered relationships?

PERSONAL APPLICATION

• Reflect on your relationship with God and others. Are there areas where fear or past trauma hinders your ability to connect?

• Spend time in prayer, asking for God's healing and guidance in your relationships.

• Consider reaching out to a trusted friend or counselor to discuss your reflections and seek support in your journey towards healing and connection.

CLOSING

As you conclude this time of reflection, remember that God's love is a steadfast anchor, providing a secure foundation on which to build your life. Embrace the journey of transformation, allowing God's love and the love of others to soften your heart and lead you into deeper, more meaningful relationships. May you find strength in community and peace in the knowledge that you are never alone. Amen.

PRAYER

"Lord Jesus, my heart feels tangled and afraid when it comes to connecting with others. My past experiences have left me wanting closeness, yet bracing for pain. Lord, I long to know your perfect safety, to trust your unwavering love that casts out all fear. I ask you to be the secure place my heart has never truly known. I pray for your constant and predictable presence to anchor me. Heal the deep places within me that have taught me to fear intimacy. Untangle the confusion and the contradictory desires within me. I surrender this fear to you, Jesus. Guide me towards healthy relationships, both with you and with others. I place my hope in you to transform my heart. Thank you for hearing my cry and for your promise never to leave me. In your loving and powerful name, Jesus, Amen."