When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and pleas before his God. Dan. 6:10-11
Heavenly Father, I’m so drawn to the heart which beat in Daniel’s breast—a heart filled with faith, not fear. He was much more committed to your eternal glory than to his personal survival—much more take up with the occupied throne of heaven than with an escape plan out of Babylon.
Daniel had just learned of a decree that anybody praying to any other god or man but King Darius would become lions’ lunch. So what did he do? The same thing he’d been doing for decades in Babylon. The windows were open, his knees were bent, his gaze was set, and even before he asked you for help, he offered you thanks. He was neither paranoid nor presumptuous, but most definitely at peace.
What freedom, what beauty, what intimacy with you this aging son and servant of yours enjoyed. But why am I surprised? Haven’t you promised, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” ? (Ps. 92:12-14)
Father, you never commanded that Daniel get on his knees three times a day. There wasn’t anything in your Word demanding this practice. You didn’t have to, for it was Daniel’s delight. No government decree could keep him from praying to you, loving you, seeking you, worshiping you.
I want more of Daniel’s peace and praise to mark my life, Father, and it should. For though “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8), he is a defeated foe. He is filled with fury for he knows his days are short (Rev. 12:12). I live in the day of kingdom triumph and expansion Daniel anticipated from afar. I have even less reason to fear the lions of Babylon or Rome.
Indeed, Jesus, your Son, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Rev. 5:5). He is the only Lion with whom I want to be thoroughly preoccupied. I praise you for the perfect and complete work of Jesus. Death has been defeated; eternal life is free for all who trust him! Your kingdom has come; your kingdom is coming in fullness! Hallelujah many times over!
Father, as I get older, please keep me fresh and green and fruitful through the gospel of your limitless grace. Fill my heart with your glory and love, and use me however you choose, all the remaining days you give me in this, your world. So very I pray in, Jesus’ magnificent and merciful name.
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