Don’t Let the Enemy Steal Your Day
“Give Orders that for the next 30 days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human, except to you, your majesty, will be thrown into a den of lions.” Daniel 6:7
“ But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open towards Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God”. Daniel 6:10
When I read the phrase,” Giving thanks to his God,” it stood out to me. Wow, what did Daniel give thanks for? His world was in turmoil. The king had given strict orders to stop praying to any god or person except him. The consequences are to be thrown into a den of lions! That is fatal.
So, as I pondered what Daniel was giving thanks for, I became convicted. I grumble because it’s Monday and the alarm is ringing. I grumble because of traffic that doesn’t seem to be able to drive with thought. I grumble because it is too hot or too cold today. I grumble because of politics, of a sports team's loss, or the market being out of my favorite chips. So many things I grumble about, none of which will cost me my life.
Here is a man who lives with politics, making laws to stop him from praying to his God, his Father. Yet, it doesn’t say he complained, but he prayed and gave thanks. I don’t know if he gave thanks for the beautiful day, his friends, or his breakfast. The point is, he found something in his life to thank God for, to praise God for. What is even more fascinating is that he did this knowing the law said this very act of praying would cost him his life. I would have prayed for this law to be changed, or for the people making the law to be punished for stealing my freedom. My free will to live the way I want. But not Daniel, he looked around and found something to thank God for. Daniel found joy in the midst of turmoil.
God is always blessing us. A sunny day, the glistening snow on the trees, an amazing meal, a child’s giggling, or my dog snuggling up to me after a bad day. There is always a reason to stop and thank our Father for His many blessings. When we start thanking God for one blessing after another, we see that the list is endless. With the hearing of this endless list, your heart can’t help but fill with joy.
Love creates joy in our lives. This month, we celebrate love on the 14th. Why not celebrate love every day? So, when you feel overwhelmed or life is dealing you lemons, remember Daniel. Stop, begin to give thanks for all God’s many blessings until your heart is filled with joy.
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11
May your list of thanks be long this month, bringing you joy that will overflow, filling each day with love. No matter what life brings, you can always find a reason to give thanks. May God bless you this month.
