Equally faithful in the lion’s den or the palace

Daniel is one of my favorite Bible characters. What impresses me  most is his steadiness -- in the palace and in the lion's den; in  times of being lifted up and in the times when he was ignored! From the beginning, we would have understood any bitterness in  him. After all, as a young teen he was carried off from Judah by an invading army to a foreign city hundreds of miles from home and forced into service to the conquering regime! His choice? Find a way to serve God wherever he was.

In Daniel 2, he goes to Nebuchadnezzar to interpret the king's dream and, by the Spirit of God, does so brilliantly. The king's  response? v. 46 "Then King Nebuchadnezzar bowed to the ground before Daniel and worshiped him, and he commanded his people to offer sacrifices and burn sweet incense before him." Think Daniel, the slave-captive, might have been tempted to exploit his new celebrity to get rich or to get even? Maybe, for a moment.  But, did he? No! You know the rest of the famous story line.

In a short time, the palace intrigue turned on him and he was forced into a situation that threatened his life -- the famed lions' den. What an overnight accommodation!  Once there he trusted God's sovereign power. When the king, another emperor named Darius, came to check  on him the next morning, Daniel conversation is a marvel of peaceful  assurance . . . "My God sent his angel to shut the  lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found  innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your  Majesty." (Daniel 6:22)

The fact that the emperor would even go to check on  Daniel speaks volumes about his testimony and faith. Why would the emperor go to the lion's den if he didn't hope to find Daniel still  alive by the power of God?

The stories of this amazing life – from captive, to clerk, to advisors of emperors-  are great faith-builders for ALL of us! The prophet/scholar/politician is a worthy model for the people of God who would live Christ-honoring lives.

To me his life shouts: "STEADY ON!"
In the lion's den, I wonder if Daniel sang David's song recorded  for us in Psalm 108:1-3. It's likely he knew it!
My heart is confident in you, O God;
no wonder I can sing your praises!
wake up, my soul!
Wake up, O harp and lyre!
I will waken the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, in front of all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.

Feeling down this Monday morning? Look past the momentary troubles.
Riding high on applause after some great achievement? Don't be distracted by the adulation.

Up and down – our hope is in the Lord.
Stay confident in HIM as your Source in life, in sunshine and rain, Summer and Winter.
Yes, our motto needs to be: steady on – as we practice consistent in faith fitting for a child of the Eternal Father.

1 Peter 5:10-11
In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a  firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen.