Daniel`s Example

The story of Daniel has many facets that bring to our attention the fact that Jesus wants to be deeply involved in our lives. Daniel shows us what abiding can look like; with its protection, discernment, knowledge and wisdom.

He shows us what it means to trust. He shows us what confidence in the all-encompassing love of God looks like. His very substance of character shows us clearly that we can or should learn to soak ourselves in the constant presence of Jesus in our lives.

When we don’t learn to live in that constant presence, we become like the yellowish, green clump of trees currently in the middle of our garden. Everything around that group of trees is deeply green and luscious —providing a visual of what healthy growth is to look like. Our unhealthy trees are growing in ground that is depleted of the nutrients they need. It’s going to take time for the nutrients to work their way up from the roots, trunks, and finally to show forth in the leaves.

Unlike those trees, our God is quick to meet our steps towards Him to replenish us and to restore us into a close fellowship with Him that brings growth of the fruit from His life in us. What a loving, restoring God we have!

Let’s keep turning to the source of our nutrition that grows our spirits into what He has intended all along. It’s then we can thrive and live in that moment to moment relationship with God Almighty, as Daniel so clearly shows us.

Prayer: Dear Father, Help us to turn our focus to You each moment of each day. Remind us that You are always with us—not just in the good times or just in the bad times, but all the time. You always love to hear from us. We’re humbled by Your love and acceptance for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.