Week 36 - Day 2

Daniel 4-6; Psalm 134

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Daniel 4-6 YouVersion(NIV)

Psalm 134 YouVersion(NIV)

One Bible story that many children know is the story of Daniel and the lions’ den from Daniel chapter 6.  I’ve known and loved this story since I was a little girl, and I loved looking at it with fresh eyes again today. 

I just keep thinking about Daniel – who was this guy?  In the first few chapters of this book Daniel was a young guy who was taken captive from his homeland and put into the king’s service in a new country.  He was a Jew in a time when God was judging his people for not following God, but Daniel was a man of faith.  God gave him great wisdom and understanding, and God provided for him and protected him.  Then here in chapter 6, two kings later, we see Daniel as an older man now.

~Daniel was a man of great integrity~ 

The Bible says that no corruption could be found in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

~Daniel was a man of prayer and boldness~ 

When Daniel found out that a decree had been issued that no one could pray to anyone but the king, “he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.  Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”  He did not fear, and he did not hide.  He continued to praise God and ask for God’s help.

~Daniel lived in a way so that others could see God~

Daniel had made such an impact on king Darius that the king was greatly distressed at the thought of Daniel being sent to the lions’ den for not obeying the decree.  “He was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.”  When the king could find no way to reverse the situation he said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”  Daniel’s faith in God was lived out every day and that was apparent to all those around him. 

~Daniel trusted in God~

“And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”  Once again we see that God rescues those who trust in Him in a way that only He can.