Thankful Thursday – Living For God Wherever, Whatever

Today I want to express my thanks for the Biblical story of Daniel. There he was in Babylon, a kingdom whose name is used throughtout the Old and New Testaments as a symbol of all that is against God. When he arrived in Babylon, his name was changed from Daniel "God is my judge" to Belteshazzar which meant "Bel protect his life."

Nevertheless, Daniel continued to eat, drink, and do everything to God’s glory. He was so conscientious in doing his assigned work, that he was given greater responsiblities rising to be the top statesman in the kingdom. Imagine...a God-fearer being a statesman in a pagan nation! Even when threatened to be fed to the lions he continued to live in Babylon, just as he had in his beloved Jerusalem.

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…"
Daniel 1:8

Now when Daniel learned
that the decree had been published,
he went home to his upstairs room
where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed,
giving thanks to his God,
just as he had done before.
Daniel 6:10

What Daniel’s story means to me right now is that our life (our happiness or security) does not depend on where we are or what people might call us, but on the principles we accept from His Word and which we live by and though His Holy Spirit.

I am especially thankful that we do not need to fear for signs of terrors to come (economic or political) . We can have peace and hope through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

More Thankful Thursday posts are listed by Iris at Grace Alone.