“Then this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be alright. Take courage. Be strong.’
“Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, ‘Go ahead, let my master speak. You’ve given me courage.’”
Daniel 10: 18-19 The Message
Where does our peace lie? This passage from the Book of Daniel is remarkable for the picture it paints. Daniel lived in a very conflicted time. Here, he is about to receive a vision about a big, terrible war. Delivered by an angel, this vision for the future is incredibly detailed, and goes on for a couple of chapters.
Yet at the end of the vision, there is a promise given to Daniel in the first two verses of chapter 12. Through divine intervention, God’s people are saved. Here are the words given to Daniel:
“‘That’s when Michael, the great angel-prince, champion of your people, will step in. It will be a time of trouble, the worst trouble the world has ever seen. But your people will be saved from the trouble, every last one..”
Daniel 12: 1-2 The Message
As if to reinforce that God is in control, the angel gives Daniel the following instruction:
“And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it’s all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward.”
Daniel 12: 13 The Message
Right now, many people are concerned about chaos in our world. I don’t believe that anyone will argue that 2020 was one of the most difficult years of our lives. With the pandemic ravaging our world, social isolation, political pain, and great division, even within families, 2020 was not many people’s favorite year. However, God is still in control. We must rest in His peace. We need to do so now, more than ever.
This passage from Daniel reminds us that we must not look to the others for our peace. Instead, let us look only to the Lord. As the scriptures declare, let us go about our business of serving the Lord without fretting or worrying. God is the Lord of all! It really is true. Many of us learned a song in Sunday School, “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands!” Sing it to yourself this morning. You are even welcome to add a few hand motions if you want!
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, that down through the centuries, You have not abandoned Your people. You have saved them even when they were unfaithful, or did not trust in Your wisdom or Your power. Help me to focus on Your promises, and not the promises of others. May I seek abundant strength from Your Holy Word. Let me be a testament to others of the faith that You desire for all of us.
Humbly I pray this prayer in the name of Your Son, the Prince of Peace, Amen
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