Daniel has always been a hero of mine. I remember being inspired by him when I was in elementary school, and I was involved in a church musical that showed how devoted Daniel was to God despite the different crises he encountered in Babylon. His faith never wavered even when he was thrown into the lion’s den. He always sought the Lord’s help, and God was with him. It is a beautiful example of a true relationship that Christ desires of us. He wants us to seek him whenever we face a crisis, and He will be with us.
In Daniel 2 we see Daniel having to seek God’s help in interpreting a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. If he fails to give the correct interpretation, he will be killed for that is what the King has promised. That is a one of the first crises he faces in Babylon. He immediately seeks God’s help. Daniel 2:20-23 has often been called Daniel’s Psalm. Here is a refresher of what he prayed during his crisis with the king.
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning .22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” (NIV).
Daniel recognizes the power that God has. He is ultimately in charge, not Daniel. He is humble; and therefore, he is righteous in God’s sight. God can use him. And use him, God does. God uses him during all of his life of 80-90 years. He was a powerful tool to show God’s truth to the gentiles living in Babylon. All of the leaders and rulers saw his God through his faith in action. God provided for him and brought him through everything he faced, even though his encounter with the lions. In the morning after his time in the lion’s den, Daniel answered the king, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6: 21-22.
I am not sure what den of lions you may be encountering, but I know in my next one, I am going to be like Daniel. I am going to present this crisis to God, and let him have control. I am going to claim His promise that His angel will be sent to help me and comfort me, and the mouth of the lions will be shut in his mighty name!
Be blessed,
Jessica Cox
I also loved Daniel as a kid.
What a life long journey…handing each crisis over to God and letting Him take control!
Two characters I love–Daniel & Joseph. They had amazing gifts, did amazing things, but their everyday lives were devoted to their God. This was revealed by their character. Who they were showed God’s faithfulness too. Wow.