Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

— Acts 17:25

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made

— Psalm 145:13

Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.

— Joshua 21:45

For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

— Jeremiah 29:10

2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

3 So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

— Daniel 9:2-3

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

We tend to take much in life for granted – our next meal, the comfort of home, or a regular paycheck, to name a few. In truth, even our next breath is not guaranteed. Only God and His promises remain sure and secure, and we should embrace everything God provides and promises with humility and gratitude. Throughout Scripture and human history, God has displayed His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His people. Promises already fulfilled and those awaiting fulfillment rest on God’s unswerving character and within His almighty hands. Believers can confidently pray for God to accomplish everything He has promised.

Daniel trusted God’s Word completely. With God’s promise to end Israel’s exile firmly in view, Daniel fervently prayed. He worshipped God, acknowledging personal sin and that of the people. With expectant faith and bold words, Daniel sought God’s undeserved mercy for His exiled people. Like Daniel, our prayers should reflect surrender to our Lord’s sovereignty. God allows His people to participate humbly and obediently in His plan and provision. Scripture-fueled prayer engages believers in God’s unfolding work. God’s sovereignty and the prayers of His people mysteriously combine to accomplish His plans.