Daily Devotionals

Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Week 6: Friday

He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel 6:10

If I were in Daniel's position in Daniel 6, praying to God, knowing that if I were caught, I would be thrown into a lion's den, I would ask God to keep me safe and keep the king's officials from seeing me. What would you be praying for? Today, we will look into Daniel's prayer to God when his life was on the line and be inspired to follow his example. 

Daniel 6 gives us insight into Daniel's prayer in Daniel 6. Despite King Darius' decree that anyone who prayed to anything or anyone but him or be thrown into a den of lions, Daniel prayed to God with his windows open. Daniel cared more about honoring God than his own life. What did he pray for? Scripture teaches that Daniel gave thanks to God (verse 10). Thanksgiving characterized his prayers. Even when his life was on the line, Daniel had a heart of thanksgiving. This does not mean that Daniel did not pray about anything else. Verse 11 tells us that when the king's officials caught Daniel praying, he was asking for God's help. It does mean that Daniel did not let his circumstances overshadow his gratitude for God and what He had done for Daniel throughout his life. Even when he knew that he would face the lion's den for his faith, Daniel praised God. Nothing, no nothing, eclipsed his gratitude and praise for God.

Do you need to be encouraged by Daniel's story? You may be going through a difficult circumstance, and thanksgiving is the last thing on your mind. If that is you, let's follow Daniel's example and choose gratitude. Let's follow the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "be thankful in all circumstances." God is always good, and He has always been good to us. Even in our most challenging situations, there is something to be grateful for. We just have to name them. 

Moving Toward Action

Let's follow Daniel's example of prayer today. Write out a prayer of thanksgiving. Thank God for what He has done for you. Thank Him for His goodness. Name the gifts He has given you one by one. You will find increased confidence and peace in Him as you focus on thanksgiving and gratitude. 

Going Deeper

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

"Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.

27 I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.

28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."