Have you ever been deeply devoted to something? Some people devote themselves to their career, to their studies, to creative or athletic passions. We often devote ourselves to what we deem noble causes, or to personal goals and life pursuits. You might consider yourself devoted to your children, family and friends, or your husband.
Devotion runs deep, coloring your perspective and governing your choices and conduct. When you’re devoted to something, it shows. People in your life undoubtedly know what you stand for and who you stand by simply from observing and listening to you.
But how deep is your devotion to God? Do others know you will be faithful to God under any circumstances? If someone were to spend a day with you, would they know from your behavior and conversations that you loved the Lord?
Daniel was a man of unwavering devotion to God. His life exemplified faithfulness and his integrity distinguished him, even amidst exile in a foreign nation. Daniel’s exceptional qualities caught the eye of Darius the Mede, the new king of Babylon, and impressed him so much that he intended to set Daniel up as administrator over the whole kingdom. (Daniel 6:1–3)
When they found out, the other administrators and satraps attempted to find grounds for charges against Daniel, but “could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent” (Dan. 6:4).
When we are devoted to God, we will uphold His principles in every area of our lives.
Finally, after Daniel’s conspirators realized they had no basis for charges against him, they came up with a plan to indict Daniel by way of his faithfulness to God (v. 5). These men convinced King Darius—through an appeal to his pride—to issue an edict that forbid the people of Babylon from praying to any god or man other than the king for a period of 30 days. Anyone who was caught disobeying the king’s decree would be thrown into the lion’s den (v. 6–9).
The world will try to exploit your faith. It will do its best to bully and manipulate you into doubt, fear, and disbelief. The enemy wants nothing more than to put you in a position to disown your God!
Alexander MacLaren wrote, “Unless you are prepared to be in the minority, and now and then to be called ‘narrow,’ ‘fanatic,’ and to be laughed at by men because you will not do what they do, but abstain and resist, then there is little chance of you ever making much of your Christian profession.”
Radical obedience to God is always the safest thing we can do. Daniel’s previous experiences had prepared his heart to stand firm and hold fast to what he knew was right. Although he had everything to lose, Daniel remained committed to pleasing God rather than pleasing men.
Jesus said that our desire to please God was a kind of litmus test of our faith: “How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (Jn. 5:44)
It’s easy to try and please men; it often seems like they have all the power. Power to fire you or promote you. To slander you or praise you. Power to make life miserable or make life supremely enjoyable. But when we come to a settled understanding that God is the One who’s in control, we find strength to stand for Him.
Daniel knew this, so when he learned of the decree he didn’t panic or flee. He didn’t go into hiding or try to work a deal with the men who conspired against him. He simply did what he had always done: “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” (Dan. 6:10).
Persistence is a quality that should mark the character of our faith. Daniel cultivated it well: prayer and praise were habitual to his day-to-day life, not merely crisis management measures. “When our lives are centered on God, we can ever afford to leave circumstances to the compulsion of the One in Whom we trust. The occasional is always affected by the habitual.” (Morgan)
When Daniel was found praying to God, the royal officials condemned him before the king and the order was given to throw Daniel into the lion’s den. Darius, who had grown fond of Daniel, said to him, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (v. 11–16) A stone was placed over the entrance to the den, and the king returned to his palace where he neither ate nor slept (v. 17–18).
The next morning the king rushed to the lion’s den to see if Daniel was alive. He called out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel replied, “My God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions.” (v. 19–22)
“And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God” (Dan. 6:23). On seeing Daniel’s deliverance, King Darius issued a decree saying all the people in his kingdom were to fear and revere the God of Daniel, for “He is the living God… He rescues and He saves” (v. 25–27).
When we stand firm in godly convictions—even if it threatens to cost us—we honor God. We are preserved and protected in the midst of persecution. The depth of our devotion is displayed, and others witness our testimony. We show that true faith cannot be stamped out!
Consider what the Lord has done for us today. He has rescued us, saved us from our sins! Let’s commit ourselves to Him. May we fear Him and serve Him faithfully with all our hearts that others may look at our lives and be stirred by our devotion. May we be a people devoted to our God!
Lord, I commit my heart to You today. May I seek to please You alone. Grow my faith in persistence, prayer and praise. Strengthen me and guide me in obedience to Your Word, even when it might cost me. Help me uphold Your truth in every area of my life and lean on the foundation of my faith in all things. Deepen my devotion that it may be evident to the world Whom I serve! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- Is your devotion to God evident in all things, or do you tend to compartmentalize your faith? Is there a specific area God is putting on your heart where your devotion to Him needs to deepen?
- Under what circumstances do you find it most difficult stand firm in your faith? Ask God to help you recognize the enemy’s attacks, and to give you strength to obey in those situations.
- People-pleasing is a form of idolatry. If you struggle in this area, pray to God and ask Him to renew your confidence in how He sees you. Ask God to help you trust that as you seek to please Him above all else, His praise will be more than enough for you!
- Is your faith marked by persistence? What might be some ways you could incorporate habitual prayer, worship, and time in God’s Word into your days?