It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: "King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.—Daniel 6:1-10
I was blessed yesterday and my heart was encouraged by someone telling me in the course of a conversation (and really meaning it) that they were going to trust God with a concern. “I am going to give that situation to God and trust Him to work it out.” “It is too big for me.” Now, of course, as believers we all need to trust God with people and circumstances. But do we? Do we say it aloud? Do we pray through it and consciously leave it with Him? Those words said aloud by another believer to me yesterday really impacted my heart. If they can trust God with their situation, I can certainly trust God with my own. Beloved, you never know how the words that you say will work in another’s heart or how your godly example will affect them. The prophet, Daniel was just such a man…
He was a man of great faith who loved God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and lived a life of uncompromising, unswerving devotion to Him. He was a man of prayer who communed with God and trusted Him in the big things as well as in the little things.
Daniel did not let fear impact the fullness of his faith. He knew God had the power to control circumstances and the power to deliver those who placed their trust in Him. He did not attempt to hide his devotion or his dependence on God. He knew who his God was and by God’s Spirit of grace Daniel not only held on to that truth but also held it forth for others to see. Nothing deterred Daniel…his heart was steadfast, trusting His God…
Beloved…when we commit our souls (and our circumstances) to Him, we leave them in a safe place. God is a faithful Creator, and we can trust Him. He is the Potter and we are the clay in His hands. He is our Creator and has the right to do with us as He pleases. His will for us comes from His heart of love...our faithful Creator will do what is best. Faith is a choice and our faith pleases God.
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.—Psalm 55:16-17
Oh, Father…how I long to have a steadfast, faithful, and fearless heart like Daniel’s! When fear and doubt begin to grip my heart, remind me of Your truth. Remind me that You are near. Help me to speak truth in the face of fear. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is established;
He will not be afraid,
Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.—Psalm 112:4-8
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.—1 Peter 4:19
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