From the get-go, it's obvious that these visions Daniel has are far from ordinary. I'll just go ahead and be honest, I don't completely understand the intricate details of the visions myself. But, it's obvious that God is involved and speaking to Daniel again and again, and that divine interaction is awesome.
And as I read through the Bible it's more and more obvious that we too have divine interactions with God in our own lives. That is so fascinating and amazing to me. I am so thankful to be a part of a God who is here in every moment.
We've been talking about Daniel's strong faith, and all the ways God blesses Daniel.
And today I noticed another important "something" Daniel does to keep himself grounded in his faith. Maybe you noticed it too?
Daniel reads and knows God's word. This is revealed to us as he tells us about his prayer and plea for God's people who have been exiled to Babylon (for 70 years).
Notice Daniel says,
"...I, Daniel understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the LORD God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed...
Give ear, our God, and hear;
open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name.
We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of
your great mercy.
Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act.
For your sake, my god, do not delay,
because your city and your people bear your name."
We have seen that Daniel has this life-giving relationship with God. And I think Daniel's prayer reveals the heart of it.
God's word is woven into his heart and his prayers, making his prayers really powerful.
As we are about to wrap up a year of reading the Bible and blogging about it along the way, I have a question that comes up in today's reading. And that is, how closely is scripture connect to your faith? What role does it play in our faith?
Is there a difference in how it should be and how it is? If so, why?
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for Your Living Word, and for using people who are willing to believe in You and follow You for extraordinary purposes.
I am so grateful for all the ways You are with me, speaking into my life and in the lives of those around me with Your transforming love.
Forgive me for all the ways I waste my time and resources on meaningless efforts. Give me Your focus, Lord.
As I read Your Word, Lord, strengthen my prayers, and fill me with Your direction. Help me to know Your voice and Your will. Equip and empower me to share Your love in the world and do Your great works. Show me how to make a life-giving difference in peoples' lives.
You are my Rock and my Redeemer, forever.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen
Peace of Christ,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
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