So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever!
The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.
Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”
So King Darius put the decree in writing.
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 6:6-10
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In the book of Daniel, we encounter an extraordinary example of gratitude that we can all learn from—and be challenged by. It is a story that inspires us to be thankful, no matter the circumstances we currently face. The story unfolds with Daniel, a godly man of faith, facing a challenging season in his life.
Daniel’s faith was known throughout the kingdom of Babylon and it had positioned him in a place of great influence—one of the 4 most powerful leaders in the kingdom, in fact. And soon to be the second most powerful…
But his success made him the target of envy. So the other jealous officials devised a plan to trap him. They convinced the King to issue a decree that for 30 days, no one could pray to any god or man except the king.
We can almost hear the urgency in their plan by the very words written, “Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered and cannot be repealed.”
If you know the story of Daniel, you know exactly what happens. Daniel, a man of great faith, does not obey.
Daniel, unwavering in his devotion, continued praying to God. “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Many of us know that Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day despite the decree… that’s how he ended up in the Lion’s Den. But did you know the story tells us what Daniel prayed about?
It does!
The Bible says, “Daniel prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he did before.”
There is a fascinating phrase in that verse that we cannot miss.
Daniel gave thanks to God. “Just as he did before.”
Imagine the scene: a decree that could cost him his life, his enemies conspiring against him, the walls closing in all around him, temptation and trial surrounding him, and yet, Daniel thanked God, just as he did before.
Daniel prayed with the same level of gratitude during the most difficult trial of his life as he did when he was on top of the world!
Often, when trials arise in our life (as they always do), our thanksgiving slows. We focus more on the troubles around us than the faithfulness and blessings of God that surround us.
We find it easy to thank God during seasons of abundance, but when trials come knocking, gratitude quickly suffers.
This week, as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s reflect on Daniel’s prayer and unwavering gratitude. Especially if this season is particularly difficult for you for any reason.
Thank God today, just as you did before when things were good. A prayer of gratitude may not change the circumstances around you, but it will certainly change your attitude toward them.
Your circumstances may have changed. But God has not.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you today for your faithfulness and love. Despite the circumstances around me, may I remember who you are and what you have done. Give me the strength to respond with gratitude, giving thanks as I have done before, despite the circumstances around me. Amen.