So much is happening in the world at the moment, it’s unlike most have seen or imagined possible. These are the events of Sci-Fi movies we have watched and never thought would happen in our life time. Everyone has been affected in a way globally, some more than others. Every day I hear a new story of how one group or another has been affected in very unique ways we couldn’t even predict.
In such seasons it’s so easy to stay fixated on the misfortunes happening around us. But in such tragic times there are always things to be grateful for. I choose to focus on what I still have to be grateful for. I choose to remain optimistic that better days are ahead and that the best is yet to come. I know that God is not done yet and even in this season He is working amazing things behind the scenes.
I will look for ordinary things to be grateful for everyday and stay in worship acknowledging that God is still on the throne. I choose to embrace the season we’re in fully and appreciate the time to connect with God on a deeper level. What a precious time to seek God and find out how He wants to use us in this season of isolation.
I’ve been thinking of Daniel in the den of lions and how he must have felt isolated. I am so encouraged by Daniel’s attitude in the midst of unfavorable circumstances. The tribulation may be just what we need to deepen our walk and dependence in God.
“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 Chapter, 6, Verse 10)
Later
Later when the King had Daniel in the den, he seals the entrance with his signet ring and those of his nobles so that Daniel may not have an option or way out and may perish. This King clearly did not understand the God of Daniel, that God can shut the mouth of lions in a den! He can do the seemingly impossible in hopeless circumstances.
Daniel had so much trust in God that when He was pulled out of the den the next morning no wound was found on Him. But when the King ordered the men who had falsely accused Daniel with their families to be thrown into the lion’s den the lions overpowered them and crushed their bones even before they reached the floor of the den.
I can’t help but relate the lions to the present circumstances we’re facing globally in this pandemic. It may feel like a hopeless case just like Daniel left overnight surrounded by the lions. But our trust in God can vindicate us. Who do you say God is in this season? The ‘lions’ do not determine our circumstances. It may seem like things are out of control but God is still on the throne!
Daniel teaches us how to embrace the faith when the world around is crushing. May we trust God always, walk by faith and never back down. He is such an excellent example of how to stand in a fallen world when dealing with difficulty and adversity. God didn’t deliver Daniel out of the lion’s den but rather helped him in it.
Daniel laid his faith on the line, believed in God and stood up in a world that was fallen. We all have lion’s dens and pits in our lives especially in this season; those moments with so many doubts and uncertainties. But there is hope, stay encouraged! In His presence we find hope.
‘Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:
“May you prosper greatly!
“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.
He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.’
(Daniel Chapter 6, Verses 25-28)