“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 6:10)
We are given a glimpse into the daily habits of Daniel, and it is a theme that runs throughout the Book bearing his name. Daniel’s life was lived with a strong belief in God and the confidence that serving Him was a top priority!
He had so lived and conducted himself that the king took notice of him and observed “… Daniel distinguished himself … because an excellent spirit was in him …” (Daniel 6:3)
Daniel did not go to his upper room to openly pray just because he had learned that King Darius had made a firm decree that whoever asked a petition of any god or man for thirty days would be cast into a den of lions. (Daniel 6:7) Rather BECAUSE SUCH WAS HIS DAILY CUSTOM.
He could have compromised and found excuses for not maintaining his faithful prayer life … he might have simply closed the window and prayed silently three times a day until the month was over … or even left town and prayed somewhere else … and nobody would have known … except Daniel and God!
I desire to have the kind of faith, character, and life that this man of God had and in order for that to happen, which it can, I must look into the mirror of God’s Book (James 1:23-25) and see if what is supposed to be there … is there. And then make the necessary changes … starting with prayer.
Do we pray often? Is it only at mealtime and maybe even then just a quick ‘thanks Lord’ and start eating? It is not a matter of counting how many times a day we might talk with God in prayer, but it would seem rather than trying to keep a running tab … we should be so thankful that He is always ready to listen, hear, and answer our prayers.
Perhaps we have failed in making time … every day … to just sit down and talk with the Lord about Him and us!
Daniel’s story can be our story … no … not with a lion’s den or a fiery furnace, but in the face of trials, challenges, and troublesome times we look to Him who promises … “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Ps. 50:15)
Daniel was a man of God who realized the very real need to talk with God every day. And it was this need being met that prompted his fidelity … his integrity in an evil and corrupt world.
It is no wonder that Daniel had such peace and courage! And the takeaway for each of us just might be, what are we waiting for? Let’s begin anew to enter the throne room of God frequently, and regularly, and not allow anything or anyone to prevent us from doing so!
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Bill Fairchild, Jr
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