Abiding: Some Thoughts on Daniel

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  

(Daniel 1:8 KJV)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.  (Daniel 6:10 KJV)

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

Over the last several months I have been pondering the word “abide”—what it means to abide in Christ on the vine and abide in the Word of God.  History provides us with many examples of individuals who abided with the Lord, doing amazing exploits in the power of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes they paid the ultimate price—their lives.  They knew the Word—hiding it in their hearts.

In preparing to post a series on the Old Testament prophet, Daniel, (Dare to Be a Daniel [forthcoming]), it suddenly occurred to me:  Daniel abided in the Lord!  He knew the Scriptures.  He was deeply committed to living differently than others, even as a youth.  Others made note of this, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad.  No matter what, Daniel remained faithful to his God in a pagan nation, Babylon.

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

God honored Daniel’s faithfulness—Daniel was “all in” when it came to the Lord—and caused the Babylonians and Persians (his captors) to show him favor.  Daniel was so highly favored that he was promoted to high levels of leadership in the government!  A pagan government!  

Daniel, as we will learn, made a decision at a young age to remain loyal to the Lord, risking all (he surrounded himself with peers who had similar goals).  God honored His servant with supernatural protection (Daniel from lions and Daniel’s friends from the fiery furnace) and supernatural ability in dream interpretation (see Daniel 2).  

While we may not find ourselves uprooted and taken to a foreign land, we still need to immerse ourselves in the Word—allowing it to abide in us—staying close to the Lord, being ready to stand our ground come what may.  Like Daniel we will discover how beneficial it is to determine beforehand what we will do when we find ourselves in a situation that may be deadly.

If we remain faithful to the Lord (not denying Him); He will remain faithful to us, not denying us before the Father.  He will use us for His kingdom work wherever we find ourselves. 

Personal photo

Since “abide” is my word for the year, it is an interesting exercise to consider how Daniel was faithful to remaining in the Lord.  The fruit produced in his life was amazing!

How are you abiding in Christ this summer?  Which biblical character comes to your mind who abided in the Lord?

Cluster of wild berries. Photo Credit P. Whitlach

Please join with me in prayer:

Awesome God, thank You for the example of your faithful servants who abided in You—prior to the time of Christ—and for all who came after following their example.  Place within us a desire for nothing more than seeking Your face and abiding in You and Your Word.  Empower us to stay true to You even in the face of a hostile world—a world that prefers darkness over light—may our witness, like Daniel’s make a lasting impact on our society.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim