Re-Center Around God
Daniel 10:1-12
At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over… [one “like a man” continued] “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”
~ Daniel 10:2-3,11-12
Daniel’s Vision of a Man
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.
2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.
7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.
10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Pondering Point
If one considers the length of Daniel’s prayer time, taken from the reading to be three weeks of fasting and mourning, it may come off as quite moving, inspiring even. But note verse 12: it wasn’t the length of time that drew God’s attention; it was the mindset to gain wisdom from God and humility in seeking out God. From the first day his prayer was heard! Let that be an encouragement to set your mind.
Review
Is your mind set to gain understanding from God? During the course of a year, do you ever rearrange your schedule in order to seek out God? Is fasting a spiritual discipline that you practice?
Repent if Necessary
We are called to love the Lord with all of our mind. Regrettably, it can be easy to let one day drift into another, merely movING through life without thinking – ‘going through the motions’ as some describe it. Is this true of you?
Return (as necessary)
Give your mind to God once again (or maybe for the first time as a specific prayer). Envision giving it to Him.
Prayer
Lord God, let me come as one who has set my mind to gain understanding of You and Your ways, and as one willing to humble myself before You day in and day out. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.