Have you ever been in a lions’ den?
For most of us, the answer is probably NO, but metaphorically, that might be a different story. What I’m really asking is this: Have you ever been in a situation where you felt trapped, without options or a way out? Have you ever felt betrayed by the people you trusted? Have you ever wondered if God is big enough to pull you out of that difficult thing you’re facing?
In Daniel 6, the entire nation of Judah was in captivity. These people probably often felt defeated, yet they clung to the hope and the promise of a coming Messiah to save them.
In the midst of this, Daniel, a Judean, is working for King Darius and gains favor with him. The king positions Daniel for advancement, but this leads to jealousy from the king’s other administrators (Daniel 6:1–5). They knew Daniel served the God of Israel, which was in direct opposition to what the king had commanded. So they convinced the king to put an ordinance in place that anyone who chose to worship another god would be thrown into the lions’ den (vv.6–9). But instead of worshipping in secret or putting his faith on the back burner, Daniel continued praying to God publicly, despite the decree.
Three times a day he got down on his knees,
prayed, and gave thanks to his God,
just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).
This clash between faith and politics resulted in Daniel being thrown into the lions’ den, even though the king desperately tried to save him. Once inside the den, the king tells Daniel to call out to his God for help. You see, even Darius recognized that Daniel’s God was living and active, something he saw by observing Daniel’s faith. The next morning, the king comes to check on Daniel, only to find he’s miraculously unharmed! (vv.21–22).
Here’s what this story shows us: No matter how dire things may look, there is NO situation created by man that God cannot change (v.17). There’s no principality, no power, no earthly ruler, or law greater than the one true God. The whole book of Daniel gives us constant reminders of God’s sovereignty. To this day, God is still a rescuer, deliverer, and miracle worker, even when circumstances are difficult.
So what are you having a hard time trusting God for? What is the seemingly impossible situation that you’re sitting in with no clear way out? The pressure may be on. You may not see a light at the end of the tunnel. But you can trust that the living God is in the den with you. And He has the ability to “shut the lions’ mouths” (v.22), whatever that may be in your life.
Lord, today we ask that you would remind us of the promises in your Word. Help us to focus our attention on You, instead of fearing the circumstances around us. Tune our hearts to the things you want to show us, even in the lions’ den. Even now.
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70 thoughts on "Daniel in the Lions’ Den"
May our faith be bold and courageous just like Daniel’s faith. Lord, help me to stand and not waiver when my faith is tested.
Well… Was it?
The True and Living God. Lord of Lord’s, Creator of all creation. The Only Wise God and Everlasting Father. Yes, He. He stands with me. He is acquainted with all of my ways, and I trust Him! I believe Him. I believe that who He said He is, He is. I trust that what He says is true. I know that He is more than willing and capable to do what He said He can do: and He will!
God got my back no matter what he got me so im covered no matter come what may god has my back so Satan move around to the pit of hell.
Praying for you and your marriage ❤️
This study has been such a good reminder to me. My marriage is suffering and I need our big God to intervene and work a miracle! And I know He can. God is good and is always faithful.
This story struck me hard because Daniel was minding his own business when people tried to plot his death. This is what the devil does. Daniel also showed how strong his faith was and it made me think of the scripture in James that says “Count it all joy when you face trials and tribulations because you know resting your faith produces perseverance.”
Never thought to ask God to close the mouths of the lions. Light bulb moment.
I need to keep my focus on God instead of circumstances!!!! God is faithful. He will get me through these hard times
Today during my reading I was struck with the thought that God didn’t save Daniel from the lion’s den, he saved him IN the lion’s den. Same with the fiery furnace. Gods people still had to walk through the hard times, they were protected during them. The past 2 years I have been going through a divorce and it’s hard to understand why?? But God doesn’t promise to protect us from trials of this world – just to walk with us through them.
❤️❤️❤️
This is so good. Often times we as believers think we will not go through the trials of life, that God would spare us from that. God is with us during the trials and it is there that our faith is tested and strengthened.
Wow! Thank you for pointing that out! Praying for you and that God will be so near to you!
We are not alone… no matter what we are told. This world is a very scary place right now
When reading about Daniel praying 3 times a day on his knees, I’m reminded of a message by Dr. Charles Stanley on Hebrews 4. At the end of the message, he was talking about how we can approach the Throne of Grace boldly because of Jesus. He suggested that people get on their knees and pray the last part of Hebrews 4 to God before presenting their needs. He reminded them to come reverently. We shouldn’t forget He is Holy. He said they should get on their knees because of who He is! This is acknowledging who He is, that we need Him, and the only reason we can come is because of Jesus! He said this could transform their prayer life. Here is a link to the message: https://youtu.be/PlgFpXJXW38
Daniel was different. It was this difference that allowed him to rise in the ranks to become overseer of the satraps and it was this difference that made Darius believe Daniel could somehow survive the lions’ den.
May the difference in me be so undeniable that even non believers recognize and hope in the power of the One at work within me.
Amen and Amen.
What a reading for the time we are in. So glad I have a living God in the den with me!
Man, this was a word from the Lord today in this present 2020. Such an incredible reminder that the God of the Old Testament is the same God today. His character never changes and He never diminishes Himself in one area to elevate another. He is ALL all the time. I find such great comfort in that in the chaos of our time. Even though I do not have clear understanding on what He is up to, His sovereignty over all time, circumstances and generations remains. Thanks be to God!
I think we all can learn a great deal from Daniel. I’ve always been taught that Jeremiah was the greatest prophet but much argument can be made about Daniel. I know I can take a lot away from Daniel and how much humility he had.
Angie, hope all went well with MRI. It made me thing of so many things that I build up a fear and an anticipation of what is to come. Then I find that He was with me all along…all the time. We see that in the book of Daniel over and over…The fire; I know God can save me, but even if… and then the dream interpretations, I know you are not going to be happy with this interpretation, but God revealed it, so here it is… and now the lions den, yes, I know I will be be lunch for the lions if I continue to pray, but I choose my God over myself. How great is our God to walk through the fire with us, to stand beside us as we speak His truth and to sit in the lions den with us when we are afraid.
We all have our lions in our lion den, but keeping our eyes on God, he will help us make it through.
Amen!
I felt like I was going into the lion’s den yesterday. I had an MRI. Years ago I had a brain MRI, and since that time, I am claustrophobic and, I’ll just say it…afraid of MRIs. I would like to say I prayed and was strong in my faith and walked in boldly to have it. The truth is, I took medicine to, “take the edge off,” and still just wanted to cry. I don’t even know what I am afraid of. The first time for my brain, it took so long, and the bar over my face just kept bringing every breath back at me. I asked if I could sing, knowing a hymn would ease my spirit, but I could not. Yesterday they had headphones and I could listen to worship music. It was not the same experience, praise God. Thank you Jesus!
The He Reads Truth is exceptionally powerful today. A couple things, “Situations and undesirable scenarios do not thwart the hope of the people of God. God’s power is not limited to the powerful and dominant but ever present in the life of God’s people.”
And, “His (Daniel’s) devotion to God led to a deeper experience of the omnipotent essence of God. And God invites you and I to experience this same power today.”
Finally, “Our devotion to God invites us along a journey of commitment. Daniel exhibits to us all that we should choose character over comfort. Social status and standing do not satisfy a heart that desires to be in communion with God. Just as a tea bag placed under heat will render a liquid with the contents that it is composed of, devotion met with disturbance reveals the true essence of our commitment to God.”
I have a cup that says, “Reputation is built in a moment, character in a lifetime.”
Also, this coffee drinker decided a cup of tea would be perfect for this morning. Thanks Lord, for everything.
John 11:41 “So they took away the stone. And Jesus glifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”
Churchmouse, your comment about relying on God’s goodness and being grateful before the results are seen reminds me of one of my favorite verses … BEFORE THE RESULTS ARE SEEN…. our Father’s love, power, and intervention are beyond my understanding… Thank You Jesus!
What stands out to me this morning is how Daniel prayed “just as he had done before.” Daniel’s identity as a man of God was firm and his daily relationship with the Lord was securely established, and these two things did not change when his circumstances changed. It was like God was preparing Daniel for a moment like this- so that Daniel could be used to glorify the Lord.
Wow, did I need to hear this message today! Thank you, Abby! And thanks be to our amazing Saviour who is with us always, to the end of time.
This is day 9 of being in bed suffering from covid. The song, Help is on the Way, by Amanda Lindsey Cook reminded me of God’s sweet presence. He held my hand through the night when it was especially tough. So grateful for His comfort. https://youtu.be/Beld7PhFBKI
Yes! In this crazy world of ours, He is working!
Wow. …. just WOW! For such a time as this… thank you Jesus!
Thank you God for the reminder today of who you are and all the ways you love and protect us!!
Thank you so much for this topic today! Yesterday the Lord reminded me of the “Didnt My Lord Deliver Daniel” choral song that I learned in high school. Ive been experiencing some “lions” lately and cried in joy and thanks when I saw the devotion today as a way of God telling me that He is hearing me in my prayers.
It’s hard for most of us when sudden sadness, trauma, surprises come our way to not instantly think of how it will affect our life in a negative way. I pray I can turn instantly to our God that is always there for us. This song is so perfect, give it a listen! (even has the phrase of Daniel in the lion’s den!)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA9kSBv1QrI
AMEN AND AMEN!!!
Even in the lion’s den, God is with me! Regardless of what happens there, He is with me! Lord, may I be listening for your voice, even in the darkest, scariest of places and circumstances
Thank you; this devotional spoke right to my heart and I feel like I’m finally coming out of a very tough season where it felt like I was in the lion’s den. Thank God that he’s pulling me out from the pit I was in! The main thing that’s been helping me is getting back into the Word of God like I never have before
He reads truth also good this morning! Don’t you love how Daniel is not deterred in worshipping God because His faith and focus is on the Lord, there is no fear of physical lions or the people that are wasting time scurrying about figuring out how to bring about his death. In HRT it talks about God changing the lion’s den into Daniel’s den. God does that in the midst of our life His presence, His peace transforms the difficult things into His grace, mercy and love showing us that even in a den of lions, He is the King, even in the chaos of Covid or any circumstance that we face where we are facing hard things, storms, fires, death. He is peace. He is so good and He’s got us in His hands of love. Sherry praying for your biopsy, He will be with you. Praying you feel Jesus holding you in it all. And for this lion to disappear to the glory of God. Candy, praying His peace over you as you face what you are facing with your family. And His light to illuminate what needs to be healed. Kristen praying for your 13 year old,, His complete Healing. Know our Lord loves us in it all and nothing compares to Him.
❤️
Amen
Last time I read through Daniel I made this note in my margins: “a stone and a seal did not prevent Daniel, nor Jesus, from coming out alive and unscathed.” What a reminder and foreshadowing of Jesus taking our place in our sufferings!
I felt the same thing! And wrote something so similar. Those who sealed it thought that stone meant death was certain and complete but God had other plans!
Love this!!
If I put my focus on God and not on my current situation(s), God will keep and deliver me to where he sees fit. Even though the enemy may be encamped around me or I’m surrounded by negativity, God is and will forever protect me as long as I keep him first.
AMEN, Mariah! Glory to God in the highest!
From the podcast:
What’s the one trap Daniel will step into?
What’s the one thing he can be counted on to do?
Pray to his God.
I want people to say that about me.
Oh man. Sooooo true!
I love this!!
Me too!!
YES! Amen!
Daniel did not have blind faith. He knew the living faith.
Today’s devotion was just what I needed to hear. Thank you God! Tomorrow I have a doctor’s appointment. Then we schedule a biopsy. God is in this den with me. Praise God!
Gentle healing
I just jumped into this study this morning. Yesterday, my 13 year old tested positive for Covid and my anxiety is through the roof and so overwhelmed. Reading this is a great reminder that God is in complete control and for me to cling to that Daniel sized faith
Praying for quick recovery for your daughter and that no one else gets it.
Praying for your family, Kristen!
Two things jumped out at me from the scriptures today:
1. EVERYONE who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, no exceptions (2 Timothy 3:12)
2. The family of believers endure the same kinds of sufferings (1 Peter 5:9)
It brings me comfort to know I am not alone in my struggles, in the areas I know I need to give over to God, the areas I find it hard to trust God, those pattern areas of sin. I am not alone because 1. God is with me in those struggles and 2. Other believers struggle with very similar things.
I am thankful for the SRT community where we can come alongside each other and provide encouragement and pray for each other when we are in our lions dens and praise the Lord alongside one another when we experience deliverance.
God I give over the areas of my life that I feel hopeless to overcome, and I rest in YOUR victory over sin and death. They have no power over You, so they have no power over me. May I carry YOUR power with me today. Amen <3
Such a timely devotion. It never ceases to amaze me how God uses these stories of old to speak to new trials and circumstances of today. His Word is never-changing but always changing us.
I awoke this morning with such a heavy heart over a family situation. It came out of nowhere and took us by surprise. I have been trying to catch my breath and make sense of it all but have not been able to. God used this reading this morning to reassure me that He is in control and is fighting for us. My heart is still hurting but it is not as heavy. I am praying that God will rescue our precious loved one from this world and bring healing and restoration.
Prior to this study I feel I never thought too much about Daniel. Sure, he was thrown in a lion’s den… but David seemed much more interesting… and Esther, a woman, helping the kingdom of God – that’s worth talking about! But this study has shown me just how significant Daniel’s faith is. In this short time, his faith has already changed the hearts of TWO non-Judean kings. The way he lived his life affected the way these kings lived theirs. Do I live my life in a way that directs people toward God’s kingdom? I don’t have to have the right words or preach scripture, I just have to live my life humbly seeking God. This is certainly something I need to pay more attention to.
I totally agree! I remember the veggie tales movie about Daniel that I would watch, but it only discusses the lion’s den. I’ve never taken the time until now to truly understand and study Daniel
I love how you pointed out that Daniel’s faith led two non-Judean kings to God! What an amazing testimony he continually had so that his life affected theirs. Such a perfect reminder and encouragement. Thank you for sharing Tiffany! <3
Thank you for sharing this study with me (again, I guess when you originally shared SRT I wasn’t ready) just in the one day that I’ve downloaded the app, God had spoken so clearly to me about my pressing circumstances (as I just texted you the excerpt). Incredible!!!!
❤️❤️❤️
What Churchmouse said reminds me of when Dr. Charles Stanley talked about getting on your knees in prayer. Yes, you can pray anywhere, but he challenged the people to come before Holy God in a reverent way. He said, this would change their prayer life. He also explains that we only have access to come before God, because of Jesus’s finished work on the Cross. Here is a link if you want to watch and listen. https://youtu.be/PlgFpXJXW38
Also, this song by Mercy Me came to mind: https://youtu.be/2JI4CPfuLW0
God is able! I know that I can go into panic and worry mode, and I need to go to Him in prayer! May I follow the guidance of Holy Spirit, and pray instead!
This section of the book of Daniel is the stuff Hollywood movies are made from. While Daniel in the lions’ den is quite the visual, the visual I find most impressive is Daniel kneeling in prayer three times a day. Daniel does what he always does because no matter his circumstances or royal edicts, he is a man of prayer. He draws his identity from his communion with God. Daniel not only gets down on his knees and prays but he gives thanks to God. Daniel’s habit is prayer and thanksgiving, on his knees, three times a day.
I admit my reaction when initially facing tough circumstances is not always to give thanks. What a challenge Daniel gives us! To rely on God’s goodness and to be grateful for Who He is and what He does – before the results are seen.
Yes, Lord, let me come out of my circumstance, this Covid season, with calloused knees. Let my hands be lifted in worship and my head bowed in prayer and thanksgiving. Three times a day. From this day forward. This is my Covid challenge from the Lord. Take me deeper, Lord. Draw even closer. Back up, lions.
❤️
Back up, lions. Yes.
Amen and Amen
I love this Churchmouse! Back up lions! I’m taking the challenge as well! Praise hands!
Amen
Thank you for this. I couldn’t sleep all night after some spiritual warfare yesterday evening, and this feels like it was prepared just for me to read at 4am today. :) Wow, God is good!