The Lions’ Den
The king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. Daniel 6:16
My great-nephew, who is a year and a half old, is fascinated and terrified by the lions at the zoo. Perhaps the only time we think of lions is when we are at the zoo or watching a National Geographic program. But I think we all face “lions” from time to time. Our lions can be frightening circumstances, such as an illness or devastating loss - anything that threatens to overpower us and destroy our peace.
Daniel was a faithful follower of the Lord God, even though he lived in exile in Babylon. He had been appointed as one of the top administrators of Babylon by the king. The other administrators were jealous of Daniel, and they wanted to destroy him. So they tricked the king into making a decree that anyone who prayed to anyone except the king should be thrown into a den of hungry lions (Daniel 6:1-9).
What did Daniel do in response to that? He prayed to God, asking for help. Daniel trusted in God because he knew that God is more powerful than any king or decree.
Did Daniel complain to God? Did Daniel claim it was not right to end his life in a lions’ den when he had been faithful all his life? No, instead he praised God and gave thanks for all of God’s blessings, even in this difficult situation. And the next morning, when the king went to check on him, Daniel said, “My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions.”
God is alive and has power over even the most fierce lions we face.
Almighty God, help us in Your strength to overcome whatever trials we may face. Guide us to seek You and to trust You always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.