“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, 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.”
Daniel 6:10 NIV
If we just read Daniel 6:10 alone, minus the surrounding context, you’d think it was just another day for Daniel to seek the Lord and give thanks.
But he was being framed and betrayed, to his demise!
King Darius was going to appoint Daniel overseer of his kingdom, over all other government and province leaders. It seems that all or most of the leaders and two of the king’s main advisors didn’t like that plan, so they set up a coup to sabotage Daniel (Daniel 6). Daniel, knowing that a plan of death was set in motion, intentionally violated the decree of the king. The posture of Daniel’s heart was obedient faith in the face of execution. He risked his life, knowing He was pleasing God, standing up for what he believed was the right thing to do. AND HE PRAYED GIVING THANKS… JUST AS HE HAD ALWAYS DONE! Daniel didn’t waver from being consistent and his prayer/thanks routine was radical in this situation!!!
Here are a few thoughts I gleaned from Daniel’s faith to give thanks:
- Faith-filled obedience can look very radical and foolish in a world of self-centered preservation.
- Obeying God will not always involve “our best interests.”
- The results and rewards of such defying obedience will require sacrifice.
Defying opposition to obey God can be life-threatening. Jesus certainly knew the betrayal of Judas would lead to his torturous demise. It shouldn’t surprise us as Christians that living a God-righteous life will require bold, risky faith. Whereas living a self-righteous life will make us feel or look good, to fit into the benefits of worldly power or pleasure.
Dear Daddie God! Help us as Your children to develop a deeper, more intimate and stronger faith with You, so no matter the ups, downs, twists and turns in life, we would have a faith to be and live thankfully. We love You and thank You soooooooooo much for Your kind and generous love and grace towards and for us! You are an incredibly AWESOME and TOV GOD.
