September 17 - Daniel 7-9: A Model of Faithfulness

Daniel was a faithful servant who got the opportunity to hear from God, but these encounters weren't so pleasant.

Daniel had a dream. What he saw as he slept in his bed terrified him - a real nightmare. (7:1)

But as for me, Daniel, I was disturbed. All these dream-visions had me agitated. (7:15) 

And there it ended. I, Daniel, was in shock. I was like a man who had seen a ghost. (7:26)

As soon as he spoke, I fainted, my face in the dirt. (8:17) 

I, Daniel, walked around in a daze, unwell for days. Then I got a grip on myself and went back to work taking care of the king's affairs. But I continued to be upset by the vision. I couldn't make sense of it. (8:27)

Daniel was emotionally worn out by what He heard from God. Actually, Daniel's responses make me feel better about all that I've been experiencing lately as I read the Scriptures. While I haven't had apocalyptic visions, I have been very disrupted as God has used His Word to convict me and challenge me and dismantle me in very specific ways.

Like us, Daniel lived in incredibly confusing times, and he experienced both success and persecution. God has used Daniel to show me how to remain faithful and true in less-than-ideal circumstances, despite my feelings.

I, Daniel, was meditating on the Scriptures...I turned to the Master God, asking for an answer - praying earnestly, fasting from meals...I poured out my heart, baring my soul to God, my God. (9:2-4)

Daniel faithfully sought God through His Word, prayer, and fasting. Although that doesn't seem very glamorous or exciting to me, I know that's how God speaks to His people, including me.

I totally related to Larry Crabb's comment:

"Like so many of My followers today, you want sound-bite theology, wisdom without struggle, formulas without mystery." 66 LL

Guilty, particularly on the wisdom without struggle part.

Thankfully, I've experienced God in deeper ways this year as I've sought him consistently through His Word. It's often been difficult and emotionally exhausting to deal with what He's revealed about myself, but it's been so worth it.

"But hope in this: the worst turmoil opens the door to the richest gift." 66 LL

Thank You, Lord, for the example of Daniel and for the rich gift of Your Presence in my life.