Not Just the Good Stuff

Read

Daniel 2:20-23, “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.”

Think

Emotions often guide our actions, but there are times when we must act our way into those emotions. The central theme of Daniel's life revolves around enduring suffering. The nation of Israel had been conquered, their homeland lay in ruins, and Daniel and his friends found themselves in exile in a foreign land. Despite his unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God, Daniel faced relentless attacks, mistreatment, false accusations, imprisonment, and ongoing hardships.

In the face of a life marked by adversity, Daniel's trust in God remained unshaken. Instead of surrendering to bitterness or complaint, he anchored his hope firmly in the unyielding foundation of his faith. His unwavering belief allowed him to offer gratitude even in the midst of trials. He understood that he could still praise God because God was not a mere pawn in earthly matters, subject to any human king. Daniel grasped that God had a purpose in every circumstance, and it was through this understanding that he found the strength to give thanks.

Continue to bless God through blessings and pain. Cultivate a pattern of generosity and gratefulness, no matter the circumstances.

Apply

How can you see God's hand of grace through your trials? Bless him.

Pray

God, I will praise you in my pain and hurt because you are good. I know your ways are higher than mine and you are sovereign in everything. In Jesus' name. Amen.