Preparing For The Lions’ Den

As October comes to a close and Halloween approaches, we’ll spend one more week looking at a biblical character who faced fear. And I can’t think of anything much scarier than spending a night in the lions’ den.

Daniel chapter 6 depicts a famous story many of us have heard since Sunday school. Daniel was a faithful man of God who sought the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving three times a day. He was advancing in his political career and was well-liked by the king… which, of course, bred jealousy among his peers. A group of politically motivated administrators decided to lay a trap for Daniel to prevent him from gaining any more power.

They manipulated the king to sign into law a regulation that would put to death anyone who worshiped any god other than the king.

Daniel faced a tough decision: deny his God, or face the lions’ den.

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

Daniel’s immediate response: he went to God in prayer, and expressed thanks even though he was faced with such a frightening situation. That is unshakeable faith in the face of fear. His gratitude pushed him to obedience even in the scariest of circumstances.

The men who manipulated the king of course snitched on Daniel’s prayer and the king reluctantly put Daniel into the lions’ den. The king spent a sleepless night waiting to see the outcome of this horrific choice.

At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
- Daniel 6:19-23

Daniel was so dedicated to his relationship with God that there wasn’t a moment of wandering. He was dedicated and obedient, even when the situation was life or death.

There may be some serious “lions’ den” moments in your life this October. You might be awaiting a call from the doctor with the diagnosis, facing incredible challenges at work, or trying to figure out how on earth to talk to your teenager. There may be situations that feel like life or death. Where did Daniel go? Where does Jesus go all throughout scripture?

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
- Luke 5:16

When we have consistent spiritual rhythms and daily private worship of the Lord, we prepare our hearts to choose obedience even in the face of fear. Daniel’s choice to stay faithful to God didn’t happen the day that the law was signed into action. It happened in the days, weeks, months, and years prior, when he consistently chose God first and trained his heart to stay faithful to his Creator.

If you’re in a lions’ den moment right now, it’s not too late. Start running to God. Watch how He’ll bless your faithfulness. It might not be in our timing, or our exact desires, but He will be faithful to you.

If you’re not in a lions’ den moment, our world is broken - one will come soon enough. Begin preparing your heart now for the moments that will feel like “life or death.” The moments where the world will pull you to choose an idol over God. Begin seeking Him daily, so when the time comes, there won’t be any other choice than to run to your room and give thanks to your God.

Our world is hurting and scared. There are lots of lions. But our God is waiting to hear our hearts. Jesus is praying for us in the next room. If only we’d walk over and join him, and be amazed by the peace that comes with regular communion with our heavenly Father.

Don’t wait until the moment you’re facing the lion. Start seeking God now.

Cristina Schmitter

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