Daniel in the Lions’ Den

By Guest Writer

Daniel’s deliverance is probably one of the most triumphant narratives in the Bible. The Black preacher would assert that Daniel was not in the lions’ den, but the lions were in Daniel’s den. God transformed the nature of the lions that they served as a mattress and pillow for Daniel as he slumbered all night. Situations and undesirable scenarios do not thwart the hope of the people of God. God’s power is not limited to the powerful and dominant but ever present in the life of God’s people.

We miss an essential aspect of the sixth chapter of Daniel by neglecting to give attention to the devotion of Daniel to God. Daniel’s devotional life became evident even to his colleagues, so much so that they desired to use it against Daniel. Daniel has the reputation amongst his colleagues that faith does not simply serve as a guide but most importantly as an anchor into who he is. His devotion to God led to a deeper experience of the omnipotent essence of God. And God invites you and I to experience this same power today.

Three times a day he got down on his knees,
prayed, and gave thanks to his God,
just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).

Daniel displays that a life devoted to God yields a hope for the people rooted in divine courage. When King Darius declares himself the only “deity” the people should pray to, Daniel continues to commit himself to God and His ways. Despite the king’s decree, Daniel submits himself, offering a “yes” to God and a “no” to Darius, at the cost of his political affiliation, and potentially, even his life.

Our devotion to God invites us along a journey of commitment. Daniel exhibits to us all that we should choose character over comfort. Social status and standing do not satisfy a heart that desires to be in communion with God. Just as a tea bag placed under heat will render a liquid with the contents that it is composed of, devotion met with disturbance reveals the true essence of our commitment to God.

In the swift transitions of life, our devotion serves to draw us closer to God and not simply to drift away. Daniel’s devotion leads us to explore how to live out our beliefs in a world that seems to discount the devotion of believers. Daniel’s adversaries envied the reputation and rank of their colleague. They knew that the place to push Daniel would be in his devotion to God. But Daniel’s steady confidence and peace in the Lord only point all the more to God’s divine faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

Written by Cameron Thomas