Pastor's Ponderings, November 13, 2017

Trust God And Be Free From Your Lion’s Den

The classic story of the prophet Daniel in the lion’s den is a powerful depiction describing how trusting God will result in victory in your life.  Daniel’s enemies had tricked King Darius into signing an edict condemning anyone who prayed to any other god than Darius (Daniel 6:6, 7). However, Daniel totally trusted God, prayed anyway, and enjoyed a peaceful night in the lion’s den. It ended up with his enemies and their families being destroyed (Daniel 6:23, 24).

God wants us to know that we should simply be calm and He will fight our battles (Exodus 14:14).  He will make those enemies that have plotted against you become your footstool (Psalm 110:1).  In spite of scary news of various diseases on the rise, health disparities increasing, wage stagnation, depression, and fear abounding, God still declares that He will set us high above all nations of the earth (Deuteronomy 26:19).  He said that He would even prepare a meal for us while our enemies are watching (Psalm 23:5).

Daniel never lost his trust in God.  This week, let us remember that in spite of craziness, fear, uncertainty and anxiety surrounding us, it does not matter.  We have the privilege of trusting the true and living God who always causes us to have the ultimate victory.  Let us trust God as He leads us victorious out of our lion’s den.

Daniel 6:6, 7
New International Version (NIV)

6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever!
7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel 6:23, 24
New International Version (NIV)

23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Exodus 14:14

New Living Translation (NLT)

14 The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."

Psalm 110:1

New International Version (NIV)

1 The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.

Deuteronomy 26:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.

Psalm 23:5
New International Version (NIV)

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.