Peace Among Lions

Daniel was in the lions’ den, but the lions left him alone. It wasn’t because these were godly lions. They were very normal lions. Even hungry lions. But none of them wanted to mess with the Lord’s angel. And Daniel probably got a solid seven hours that night.

Real peace is being able to lay your head down on your pillow at night, at peace with God, committing your life and every detail of it to the Lord. It is no longer being plagued with guilt, saying the words, "Lord, I trust You" as you drift off to sleep.

David, who had good reason for a lot of sleepless nights in his life, wrote, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8, NASB). I think Daniel could do that through most of his long life.

Do you find yourself in a "lion’s den" today? As with Daniel, you may have some enemies out there plotting your destruction. And you certainly have an adversary who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). You feel like the heat is on, and you wonder if you can hold on to your sanity—and your faith—in this time of pain and perplexity.

Daniel refused to be distracted from the purpose in his heart. He maintained his priorities and kept his cool in the face of opposition and intimidating circumstances. So did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego when ordered to betray the Lord or die. And so did Job when Satan stole everything from him but that which he cherished most—his relationship with the living God.

These real people from the pages of Scripture teach us to keep our eyes of faith locked on our faithful God, no matter what. Keep on praying . . . keep on living a godly life . . . keep on claiming the promises of God’s Word . . . keep on trusting the Lord to come through for you and to continue working for your best and His glory.