Find a comfortable position,
Either sitting or lying down,
Just a place where you can fully release and let go.
As you arrive,
Let's begin by taking one deep breath.
So breathing in deeply through your nose and release out of your mouth.
Close your eyes if that feels okay and just allow yourself to fully relax in this present moment.
When it comes to trusting God and leaning on him in every situation,
One of the best illustrations of this faith is Daniel's faith.
In chapter 6,
We learn about how he was betrayed because people were jealous of him.
And they set out to make these ridiculous rules that you cannot worship anyone other than the king.
And when Daniel learned about the decree that had been published,
He went home to his upstairs room where the windows open towards Jerusalem.
Three times a day,
He got down on his knees and prayed,
Giving thanks to his God,
Just as he had done before.
And what we can take away from Daniel is knowing that thankfulness must become a habit.
Fighting fear begins the moment we start giving thanks.
We can't always fix our circumstances,
But we can fix our eyes on God.
And in spite of his faithfulness,
He was still thrown into the lion's den.
But he came out unharmed.
Daniel 6.
22 says,
My God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lion.
They have not hurt me because I was found innocent in his sight,
Nor have I ever done any wrong before you,
Your majesty.
By trusting in God,
Daniel experienced defiant peace,
A type of supernatural calmness which contradicted his chaotic circumstances.
So maybe you can ask yourself today,
How can I experience defiant peace when my trials evoke emotions that feel bigger than my faith?
How can I experience defiant peace when my trials evoke emotions that feel bigger than my faith?
Daniel 6.
26 and 27 say,
For he is the living God and he endures forever.
His kingdom will not be destroyed.
His dominion will never end.
He rescues and he saves.
He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.
Maybe take a moment here and imagine yourself being transported to the ancient kingdom of Babylon,
Where the story of Daniel in the lion's den took place.
As you visualize yourself in this place,
Think about the incredible faith and trust in God that Daniel displayed.
Despite being thrown into a den of hungry lions,
Daniel remained calm and steadfast in his faith,
Trusting that God would protect him.
Take a moment to reflect on the challenges and difficulties in your own life.
Are there situations where you feel overwhelmed,
Afraid,
Or uncertain?
Bring these to mind and allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with them.
Now,
Imagine yourself standing alongside Daniel in the lion's den.
As you watch the lions approaching,
You feel a sense of fear and anxiety,
But you also feel the presence of God with you.
Take a deep breath and remember to breathe in and out as you feel the presence of God.
Take a deep breath and remember that just as God protected Daniel,
He is with you now,
Offering you the strength and courage to face whatever challenges come your way.
As you stand there in the den,
Surrounded by lions,
Allow yourself to feel the peace and calm that comes with trusting in God's protection.
Even in the face of danger,
You can have faith that God is with you,
Guiding you,
Protecting you.
God,
We thank you for this day.
God,
We thank you for giving us that little ounce of courage to trust in you when our circumstances are so difficult.
God,
We thank you for giving us that little ounce of courage to trust in you when our circumstances say otherwise.
We know you are faithful.
We know that you are able to do exceedingly,
Abundantly over all that we can ask or think.
Help us to have the faith of Daniel that even when people come against us,
When the outcome doesn't seem possible,
That we still feel your presence,
We feel your protection,
We feel your love.
We know that you're with us every step of the way.
Help us lean on our faith more and trust you in every circumstance and know that that's where we will find ease.
That's where we will find peace.
Take a few more deep breaths and as you exhale,
Release any fears or doubts you may be holding on to.
Allow yourself to fully trust in God's plan for your life,
Friend,
Knowing that he will be with you every step of the way.
When you're ready,
Let's take one final deep breath,
Breathing in and out.
In through the nose and out of the mouth.
Slowly opening the eyes,
Feeling refreshed and renewed in your faith.
And I encourage you to carry the sense of peace and trust with you throughout your day,
Knowing that God is always with you,
Guiding and protecting you.
