November 29

Trouble 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 132:6-12 | Daniel 6:1-28 | 2 Peter 3:1-18 | Proverbs 28:21-22

Today’s Scripture Focus: Daniel 6

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king” (Daniel 6:22 NIV).

“It’s a great comfort to know that God’s faithful people have always been in trouble. In fact it’s the sure sign we’re following God, and not men.” –Lloyd Ogilvie–

King Darius recognized Daniel’s integrity and his excellence in everything he did. He had promoted him already to become one of the three administrators over his kingdom. Daniel had so impressed King Darius that he intended to set him over the whole Kingdom.

Daniel’s life was a beacon of integrity without any hint of compromise. This was a problem for his rivals whose testimony was “we will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

They knew his pattern was to pray 3 times a day and decided to use that against him. Of course, Daniel refused to compromise his principles and found himself in trouble–trouble of the most dangerous sort–a lion’s den.

But God was with Daniel and even the worst plans of evil men could not touch him. For God sent his angel to shut the mouths of the lions.

Standing strong in a world of compromise will often mean being out of step with others. They often will not understand. They may even persecute you. But know that whatever trouble you find yourself in, God will not forget you. He sees your integrity and will be there through it all. He can even shut the mouths of lions, if necessary. So stand strong. Be of good courage. Press forward with integrity and keep trusting in your God.

“And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God” (6:23).

Father, thank you for the discipline and integrity of Daniel. Help me to be such a person. As I step out in faith and courage, protect and use me. Amen.