Daniel 2:19-23
“During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.””
Daniel 2:19-23 NIV
Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt grateful for a skill or knowledge that helped you in a particular situation? How did you respond to that experience? Like Daniel, it is essential to remember to thank and acknowledge the guidance and assistance we receive from a higher power or source beyond ourselves. Humbling ourselves and recognizing that our strengths and successes come from outside of us leads to a deeper sense of connection and gratitude.
There are two important applications of this passage. First, that Danel and his friends had faith enough to pray. Many people who profess to be Christian seldom pray. And because they don’t pray, God does not answer, which reinforces their doubt. It’s a downward spiral. It is vital for everyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ to pray and pray regularly.
The second application is that we should always return thanks to God for each and every answer to prayer. Our prayers of thanksgiving are an essential act of worship not only because God is due our thanks, but that our faith in God might be reinforced. If we do not give thanks to God, we might begin to rationalize that our answer to prayer was simply a natural occurrence.
God heard and answered Daniel's prayers and the prayers of his three friends. They had chosen to remain faithful to God, and God noticed. When they asked for wisdom and hidden knowledge, God provided what they asked for. Daniel humbly prayed that God would discover to him the king's dream, and the meaning of it.
Praying friends are valuable friends; and it well becomes the greatest and best men to desire the prayers of others. Let us show that we value our friends, and their prayers. They were particular in prayer. And whatever we pray for, we can expect nothing but as the gift of God's mercies. God gives us leave in prayer to tell our wants and burdens. Their plea with God was, the peril they were in. The mercy Daniel and his fellows prayed for, was bestowed.
The fervent prayers of righteous men avail much. Daniel was thankful to God for making known that to him, which saved the lives of himself and his fellows. How much more should we be thankful to God, for making known the great salvation of the soul to those who are not among the worldly wise and prudent.
We can seek wisdom from God in difficult times by recognizing that He is the ultimate source of all wisdom and knowledge. We too can seek God’s revelation and wisdom when faced with challenges, just as Daniel did when confronted with King Nebuchadnezzar’s demand. We can gain clarity and insight that surpasses human understanding by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking His wisdom through prayer and meditation on His Word.
Harness the power of prayer and gratitude in seeking divine wisdom, just like Daniel did when faced with challenges. Approach God with humility and thankfulness, seeking His guidance and insight in your daily struggles. Commit to this practice of prayer and gratitude to deepen your connection with the divine and navigate life’s complexities with clarity and grace!!!
Father, thank You for this day and the example of unshakable faith we see in the lives of Daniel and his three friends when faced with an impossible task. Open the windows of heaven and rain down Your abundant blessings upon my friends and family today. Lord, help us to embrace our faith, we pray, and help us to follow their wise example by bringing everything to You in prayer and supplication when confronted by the difficulties and dangers of life, knowing that all wisdom, knowledge, power, and preeminence, belongs to You. Lord use us to be a bold witness of Your amazing grace to all today. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You. Amen !
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