Reading in Daniel 6, king Darius appointed Daniel as one of the three administrators over 120 governors within the Median/Persian Empire. Daniel was a very distinguished leader and the king thought so highly of him that plans were being set for Daniel to be in charge of the whole kingdom. This made the other administrators and governors so jealous that they schemed against Daniel. They persuaded the king to order a decree which stated: no person can pray to any god or human being (except king Darius) during the next thirty days. If caught, the punishment would be a dinner date with the lions at their place.

After the king published the decree, a group went to spy on Daniel as he prayed to God for help. Then they reported back to the king that Daniel had broken the decree. The news distressed the king because he really thought highly of Daniel but he was under pressure to go through with the punishment; throwing Daniel into the lions’ den.

King Darius couldn’t sleep that night and hurried to check on Daniel the next morning. As he entered near the lions’ den, he called out to Daniel who replied back that God had taken care of Him and the lions had not hurt him. The king then made a proclamation that all people should worship the ONE and only God of Daniel.  Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, he prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian (v. 28).

This day with God, let us take away from this lesson the faithfulness of Daniel who was protected from the lions versus the men who were envious and jealous of Daniel who were devoured by the lions. Let us pray today for God to deliver us from circumstances for which we have no control. Let us ask for more faith. Remember that God delivered Daniel and He can deliver us from any circumstance. Remember that hope gives optimism in a time of despair, faith gives courage in a time of doubt, and love brings victory in a time of hate.

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