He uncovers deep springs in the darkness and brings dark times to light.

— Job 12:22

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you

— Isaiah 60:1

12 Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last.

13 Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together

— Isaiah 48:12-13

9 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.

10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

— Isaiah 46:9-10

10 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.

— Psalm 33:10-11

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God is the author on humankind’s history. He can use a seemingly most negative and darkest incident, such as His people’s exile from their own land and being captives in Babylon, to spread His great name and Hie sovereignty. Daniel, a Israel captive in Babylon, himself spent most of his life in exile, yet God preserved His servant to shed His light upon a dark, sin-filled land. Suffering the consequences of his people’s sin, Daniel may have lived in a foreign land, but he consistently sought the presence and will of the God he loved, worshipped, and trusted.

Daniel acknowledged God as his source of strength throughout his life. He lived to seek God’s greatness, not his own. Daniel was brought to a raucous gathering that blatantly dishonored God. He humbly and courageously deciphered a divine edict foretelling the imminent fall of a global empire and foolish king. Later, Daniel trusted God to deliver him from certain death in a den of ravenous lions. In every circumstance, Daniel knew God would never forsake him. His life demonstrated a durable call to trust God’s will, ways, and sovereignty. Persevering faith provides a profound witness to a watching world. Daniel’s resilient life impacted idolatrous kings to praise the living God who endures forever.