As we wrap up our series on Daniel, I find myself reflecting on Daniel’s life. He endured many trials and temptations and remained faithful through them all. But the story that sticks out to me most is from Daniel chapter 6.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den. We all know the story, right?
The king makes a law (under the advisement of some of Daniel’s jealous colleagues) that no one should pray to anyone but the king for 30 days. If anyone broke this law, they would be thrown into the den of lions. Daniel, a man strong in conviction and faith, couldn’t obey such a law. And so, he continued to pray to God and was thrown into the den of lions.
“So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel.” Daniel 6:16-17
Having heard this story before, we know that God performs a miraculous work of protection in Daniel’s life here and spares him from the mouth of the lion. But let’s not jump ahead. Let’s pause here for a moment. With Daniel left alone in a den full of lions. I wonder what Daniel may have been feeling in this moment. I know for me, it would be easy to feel abandoned by God in this situation.
I have spent some time in my own type of lions’ den. A situation that was completely out of my control; very dark, and seemingly hopeless. I had a relationship with Christ, was following and serving him faithfully, and yet there I was, in this deep, dark pit that I didn’t put myself in and was powerless to get myself out of. I was there for several years and at times I felt as though God had abandoned me.
In His timing, God made a way out of this situation for me. Though I questioned His presence and His goodness at times during that experience, when I look back on it now, I can’t help but see His goodness all over me and my situation. I can see His loving hand guiding me through every step of the way and preparing me for the things to come.
Now back to Daniel. He had done everything right, but he is still in this awful, scary situation. Potentially feeling alone and abandoned.
But God.
God was there in the midst of it all. He kept Daniel safe. God is so good!
“Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 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.” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:19-23
He trusted in God. All the trials and temptations Daniel had faced earlier in his life had prepared him for this moment. And this trial was no different. This trial helped Daniel to be prepared for even more things that God had in store for him.
When we are going through something difficult, it can be hard to see God’s hand in it all or feel His presence. It may feel as though He’s not there and he has forgotten about us. But He is good, all the time. And He is working out His plan in our lives. Sometimes what feels like abandoning is actually preparing. God in His goodness uses our hardships to help prepare us for the things to come. I know I have seen this to be true in my own life, and reading Daniel’s story, I think I can say the same for him.
Whatever trial you are going through right now, your “lions’ den”, I pray that you are able to feel God’s presence with you in the midst of your circumstances and know that He is for you, He is with you, and He is truly good. You can trust that He is working things out for your good, even if it doesn’t feel good right now.
He graciously brought me out of my lions’ den, so now no matter what I face, I know that He is able, He is good, and His timing is perfect. I know I can trust Him. And I pray that you can too.
