Thoughts for the Day

Daniel said:
‘Blessed be the name of God from age to age,
for wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons,
deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and light dwells with him.
To you, O God of my ancestors,
I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and power,
and have now revealed to me what we asked of you,
for you have revealed to us what the king ordered.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

When you break your arm, you immediately turn to the accident and emergency department of a hospital; when your car fails, you immediately ring your recovery service; and when you're at sea, and you get into trouble you immediately ring for a lifeboat!

Daniel and his three companions are about to die. Dragged off to live in Babylon from their homeland in Judah when Jerusalem is destroyed, then trained to work in Nebuchadnezzar's court, there is no way they can survive. The king has had a series of crazy dreams and is demanding that all the wise men of his court should reveal to the king his dream (which he has kept secret) and its interpretation. Those unable to do this are to be killed! Their first thought might be to disappear quickly, but no, Daniel and his companions immediately turn to God. He is their only help!

Throughout our Bible we have seen how God has communicated with his people again and again through dreams and visions. Greg Mauro (see Further Thoughts below) reckons this is at least 50 times! We also saw yesterday how His messages can be passed through other people. In Daniel's case the danger that he and many others are in make them turn to the only authority they trust - God!

Does our confidence in God mean that we turn to Him immediately when trouble strikes?

Lord Jesus Christ,
we say we believe in Your power to save us;
we say we have faith in You;
we pray to You;
we sing Your praises;
and we call You Lord!
Now give us the confidence
to turn to You when trouble strikes,
believing only You can change things,
and then may we leave the solution to You.
Amen.