“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).
Life surely isn’t fair at times, is it? Daniel was taken as part of the great Babylonian captivity. Here he is far, far from his home in Israel. Just as the Lord continued to bless him, and just as a major promotion was to take place, wicked plotters laid plans for his sure death. Tricking the king into an arrogant arrangement, the plan was secure. “Establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:7). So what does Daniel do? Does he become a secret believer and just pray quietly with his eyes open? Not Daniel! Multiple times a day he goes to his place of prayer where he could easily be seen. Not only does he pray just as always, he gives thanks! He was a captive far from home. He had those who hated him and purposely devised a plan to take him down. The most incredibly foolish and dangerous decree that could be signed was indeed signed. In the midst of a great position as being made the first president, now Daniel knows he surely will face the lions’ den. And yet, what does he do? He not only prays, he gives thanks.
For today: In what set of circumstances and situations does the Lord want to help you to be faithful and to give thanks?