“Then Daniel… told [his companions] to seek mercy from God concerning this mystery, so that [they] might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision… Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven..:
“‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
To you, O God of my fathers,
I give thanks and praise,
for you have given me wisdom and might,
and have now made known to me what we asked of you,
for you have made known to us the king’s matter…’
“The king declared to Daniel,.. ‘Are you able to make known to me the dream and its interpretation?’ Daniel answered, ‘No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show the king.., but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known what will be.’” Daniel 2:17-23,26-28a
The King had made an impossible demand, and all his magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers were doomed to death because they could not meet it. But Daniel the wise met Nebuchadnezzar the fool with the possibility of God to turn the destiny of all. While the king’s seers relied on signs and the occult, Daniel knew his only hope for understanding the king’s mystery was his Lord, and to Him he prayed. (Daniel 2:1-16)
It’s easy to panic when faced with the impossible, dark looming situations beyond our control. A harrowing diagnosis, the threat of job loss, a broken marriage, or war. Without the Lord and with unbridled emotion and exasperation, we’re destined for misery. But prudence and discretion lead us to the Sovereign over every calamity. Seeking His mercy, wisdom, and light opens the way for His answers. Often He reveals His will to inquiring, believing minds as we pray.
What circumstances have tightly knotted me in turmoil? What threats press anxiety into every pore and furrows into my countenance? Do I fret and accuse and lock myself in stress, or with prudence, trust, and hopeful praise approach my Lord?
There are dangers in the world. But there is a God in heaven. There are mysteries we’re unable to discern, accusations we cannot defend, regrets we cannot shake. But there is a God in heaven. There are sorrows and pain and unmet longings that seem unbearable. But there is a God in heaven. Do I know and believe Him?
“Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.” ~ Dallán Forgaill, old Irish
Great and all-wise Father in heaven, help me turn to You in every earthly angst, trusting Your wisdom and power for every impossible to Your thanks and praise. (Daniel 2:46-47)
As the rain and snow 