Timely Encouragement from the Book of Daniel

Inside: God’s sovereign control over human history was on full display when Jesus was crucified 2,000 years ago. It remains a comforting truth for us today as we think about Easter and as we look ahead to future events in our country and world. ~

I ended March by completing the Book of Daniel in my Bible-reading plan.

I’ve read it numerous times over the years. This time, though, I went slowly, noticing details about familiar stories that seem especially timely and other parts that had never grabbed my attention before.

It’s Holy Week, and this post isn’t particularly Easter-ish. Any writing that points to God’s sovereign control over human history is applicable, though, because there is no greater example of this than the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

That said, I hope these thoughts challenge and encourage your heart, this week and in the coming months.

What a Character

When reading Daniel, what immediately strikes me is the character of our main character. When instructed to violate his convictions or commanded to do the impossible, Daniel responded with “tact and discretion” (Daniel 2:14). As he prepared to tell the king his dream and explain its meaning, Daniel’s words were laced with humility.

“As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.” (Daniel 2:30)

If it’s true that we can only take care of ourselves, Daniel is a great person to emulate. And if we could use more tact, discretion and humility in our speech and personal interactions—in person and online—perhaps this week is a good time to start working toward that end.

Highest Praise

Prayer is a key theme throughout the Book of Daniel. Daniel falls to his knees again and again, through his dealings with pagan kings and as he relies on God to help him understand some bizarre dreams and visions in the latter chapters.

One of my favorites is the prayer he offers after God reveals to him the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about the statue with feet of clay.

“May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)

Friends, this is the same God in whom we put our trust today. I hope that is a comfort to you as you read the news and observe the world today.

The God Behind the News

Speaking of the news, perhaps you’ve noticed talk about the 2024 presidential primaries already ramping up. The general election is only 19 months away, after all.

Does this make you feel anxious? Angry? Excited? Something else? Regardless of where any of us stand on any issue or regarding any political party, there’s another refrain in Daniel that can help us keep things in perspective.

It’s the simple-yet-profound truth that God isn’t just sovereign over world leaders, He actually puts them into place.

Say That Again

This idea is repeated four times in less than two chapters:

“The Most High is ruler over human kingdoms. He gives them to anyone He wants and sets the lowliest of people over them.” (Daniel 4:17b)

“… the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms, and He gives them to anyone he wants.” (The same wording appears in Daniel 4:25 and 4:32)

“… the Most High God is ruler over human kingdoms and sets anyone He wants over them.” (Daniel 5:21)

Let that marinate for a moment.

I don’t understand God’s sovereignty and purposes. But these verses assure me that whoever sits in the White House, 10 Downing Street or any number of presidential palaces across the globe, they are not there by chance.

They may have won democratic elections or seized power some other way, but I think there’s comfort in remembering that God ultimately put them there.

A Prayer for Our Times

If you’ve read Daniel, you know the latter chapters speak of future events. They’re troubling and hard to understand, for Daniel and for us. But there’s a phrase from one particular verse that can guide us as we pray about what lies ahead.

Speaking of the end times, Daniel 12:10 says, “Many will be purified, cleansed and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.” (Italics mine.)

With so many opinions and theories and conspiracies swirling around these days, it’s hard to know what is true and what is not. It’s all so much, and also too much, for our human brains to comprehend.

God knows what we need to know, however. And I don’t think we can go wrong if we pray for insight—to understand what we need to understand, and how to respond to events and people around us.

Happy Easter, dear friends.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.