Welcome to cover to cover, the continuing story of what God is revealing in our lives through His Word.We started this week by finishing Ezekiel and moving into Daniel. I have mixed feeling about leaving Ezekiel. On the one hand, I find him utterly fascinating. What a life of obedience and faith. Such dedication to the Lord. However, I really struggled with his visions sometimes and the whole cubit thing about drove me crazy. I am not a math kind of girl. But I will miss him and he is now on my list of people to sit down with some day.
I love revisiting old stories and finding a fresh word. I don't know how many times I pass over something because I "know" it and think that it holds nothing new for me. (Or how many times I tune somebody out because I know what they are going to say or close my eyes to the scenery in front of me because I've seen it all before. How much do I miss?) Anyhow, we read the story of Daniel and the lions den this week. So I am be bopping along, reading and halfway paying attention because after all, this is a children's Sunday school story...isn't it? The administrators are jealous and working hard to set Daniel up and Daniel hears the new decree and what does he do? He goes to his room where the windows are open toward Jerusalem and gives thanks to God "just as he had done before." (Daniel 6:10) Trouble comes and Daniel does what he always does. Gets down on his knees and prays. However, this is not the only thing that caught my attention. Not only does Daniel stay the same (character-who you are when no one is looking), the administrators knew he would be on his knees and praying. They found him exactly where they thought they would. On his knees, praying.
Oh, how this speaks to me.
Where would they expect to find us in times of trouble? Or in times of joy?
And more importantly, would you find us there?
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" Psalm 91:14-16
7 comments:
You are a girl after my own heart, in school whenever I saw verses or math problems in which cubit or cubits appeared I skipped them.
Love, Annette
Thankyou for the reminder not to skip over the "familiar" ...it struck me also when I read your post that he prayed just as he had always done....so before the crises and the challenge to his faith hit him he had developed the habit or the discipline of spending time on his knees before God...so when the persecution or trial came it was natural for him to go to his knees. I think its easy to skip that time with God when life is ticking along and going our way...but then the storm hits and people fall away and their faith falters not having been deeply rooted in the rock ahead of time.
I good reminder for me to nurture that prayer time!
Oh those dimensions and numbers, but I'm with you. I have a new saint on my list I want to visit with in heaven. "Just as he had done before" stood out in my heart as well. Oh, that I would be found on my knees in times of trouble. His promises are true. He closes the lion's mouth. You always take me one step closer to Him. Love you, Annette
"Just as he had done before" - I missed it. But turning his face to Jerusalem---it grabbed me so. I wonder which way is Jerusalem? Loved your thoughts!
Daniel is my favorite OT person and I love this account of him on his knees! That is where the victory is!
I needed to read this more than you will ever know! "just as he had done before." I love how you had the text in bigger letters. I said each word slowly and louder in my head so I could hear it, really hear it. Actually, I did it again when I read Psalm 91:14-16. Is this the Psalm you told us you were going to memorize earlier in the year? I can't remember. Regardless, I read each word of that and oh, so good!
Thank you for doing these Monday morning insights. You always share what I need to hear most!
Love you,
Angie xoxo
p.s. May I more than read those awesome words, may I live those words...when no one is looking!!!
Thanks!
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