As we slowly walked toward the den of lions their deep roar rattled within my bones, sending a chill throughout my entire body. How could we possibly throw this man in with those ferocious beasts? I knew he felt the chill and heard the roar as well. Even so, I heard him utter under his breath:
“O God of my fathers; praise be your name forever and ever.
Wisdom and power are yours and you give it to the wise and the discerning.
I ask you O God that you would protect me now.
Only you, God, know what lies in the darkness as the light dwells within you.”
Just before he was thrown in, I spoke these words in his ear:
“May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
And with that, he was shoved into the darkness.
All night, I remained awake in bed unable to sleep, refusing my choice food and wine. I sent away my service, tormented inside by what had been done. For I knew the other administrators fabricated these claims against Daniel, but I, King Darius, must uphold the law; how deceitful that they force my hand! There was no corruption in Daniel, so they attacked him with his own passion for his God. May they be dealt with severely. In my anguish, I cried aloud,
“O God of Daniel please have mercy on me. Please be with your servant Daniel and by your mighty hand, protect him.”
With the first light of dawn, I rushed across my courts to the lion’s den, the dew still fresh on the grass, soaking my sandals. I hoped for a miracle. As I reached the stone that had been rolled across the opening my heart beat loudly within my chest. I gently placed my hand upon the stone and yelled, my voice echoing against the stone as I did.
“Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
I sat in silence my hand upon the cool surface; I could only hear the heavy breathing of the beasts on the other side. My mind raced and I trembled, fearful of what I had done.
Then, I heard a voice, Daniel’s voice, cry out:
“O king, live forever! 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.”
Joy filled my soul! Daniel’s God had rescued him! Daniel’s God is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed!
As I sit here to pen this decree to my people, insisting that they serve the God of Daniel, I am amazed by the trust and faith of this man – Daniel, servant of God.
“Daniel’s Answer to the King” by Briton Riviere, 1890
When the Lion Breathes on Your Neck
I’ve been reading the book of Daniel this week. Chapter 6 is narrated above.
As I continue to understand the importance of TRUSTING God; redefining what I seek, I wanted to read stories of the same.
Putting myself in the moment by trying to think like Daniel and King Darius, I am amazed by God’s power and Daniel’s faith. More importantly how Daniel’s faith affected not only the king, but an entire kingdom. Daniel’s trust led to King Darius writing a decree mandating that his people fear and reverence God.
I thought about the proverbial lions in my life and how I respond when I feel their breath upon my neck.
How do you respond?
In seeking to redefine richness and clearly define what we seek, you will face lions. Voices of doubt that try to devour your calling. I encourage you to remain like Daniel; thanking God despite the circumstances and persisting without exception.
What lions are you facing today?
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