When we imagine, we are not escaping reality—we are discovering it. Lewis believed that stories, myths, and flights of fancy can prepare our hearts to see God in ways logic alone cannot. Through imagination, we can picture what love, courage, and mercy might look like. We can encounter moral truths and spiritual realities in a vivid, personal way.

Think of Lucy stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia. Her eyes behold a world that is more real than the ordinary world in certain ways—its magic is a reflection of deeper spiritual truths. Lewis used these imaginative journeys to help us grasp eternal realities: joy, hope, redemption, and the love of God. Our imagination helps us intuitively recognize beauty and goodness, shaping our hearts toward God’s Presence.

Lewis also emphasized that imagination can help us approach God with humility and wonder. When we allow our minds to picture heaven, grace, or God’s love, we cultivate longing, curiosity, and awe—emotions that open the door to faith. It is not just about entertaining ourselves; it is about preparing our souls to encounter truth.

In a world that often prizes only facts and evidence, imagination might feel optional—but Lewis gently reminds us it is essential. By imagining rightly, we practice seeing beyond ourselves, beyond the ordinary, and into the extraordinary love of God. Our creativity, our capacity for wonder, and our stories are all invitations to glimpse the divine.

So, the next time you find yourself lost in a story, a dream, or a creative idea, remember: your imagination matters. God uses it. It is one of the ways He draws us closer, helping us recognize beauty, truth, and ultimately, Him.

Sources:

• Lewis, C.S. Of Other Worlds. Harcourt, 1966.
• Lewis, C.S. The Chronicles of Narnia series. HarperCollins, 1950–1956.