I find myself inundated with voices
these days. The newsfeed is 24/7, full of stories of pandemic, civil
and racial unrest, political bickering and threats, and the plight of
refugees. Even if I turn the radio and TV off, there are the
responsibilities of a busy job, family needs, and the ever lengthening
to-do list calling for attention. There is such a need today to hear
the still, soft voice of God, despite and above the clamour.
The prophet Daniel lived in challenging, anxious times. Taken
hostage to Babylon as a young man, he faced re-training, political
instability, serving in a number of administrations for successive kings
in a highly responsible position, but above all he endured religious
persecution. This led to highly dangerous run-ins with the authorities,
and death threats. Over his long life, he was called in by kings to
interpret dreams, which could be fatal if the interpretation wasn’t
favourable! He even had amazing visions and dreams given him by God, of
future times and promises.
What kept Daniel going, in the midst of turmoil, was his daily
time spent with God. "…..he went home and knelt down as usual in his
upstairs room, with its windows open to Jerusalem. He prayed three
times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to God." (Daniel
6:10 ESV) He prayed for interpretations of visions, and for the
restoration of Jerusalem, but I’m sure he prayed for guidance in his
daily duties as administrator of a multi-racial state with a powerful
economy. God honoured Daniel in ways few people ever experience. The
angel Gabriel was sent to give him insight (Dan.
8:16,
9:22), he was able to see God Himself, the Ancient of Days (Dan.
7:9), and he saw the pre-incarnate Jesus. "As my vision
continued that night, I saw someone like a Son of Man coming with the
clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into His
presence. He was given authority, honour and sovereignty over all the
nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and
language would obey Him. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His
kingdom will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13 ESV)
We may never in our lifetimes be given such awesome experiences,
however, we can share in the peace and strength God gave Daniel, through
time spent in prayer, praise and reading our Bibles. Our fellowship
with God will give us the strength, clarity and focus we need to live
our lives well, be a blessing to others, and have God’s will for our
lives fulfilled.
Prayer: Sing with me: Standing by a purpose true, heeding God’s
command, honour them, the faithful few! All hail to Daniel’s band!
Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known. (P.P. Bliss, 1838) Thank you, Lord, for his life
and legacy. May we spend those precious times with You, giving You
thanks. Amen.
Shirley Moulton
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.