Perspective, Persistence, and Praise

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” - Daniel 6:10


When threatened to be thrown into a den with hungry lions if he did not stop praying, Daniel quite simply, “went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

It is a famous story that most believers know well. Daniel’s faith was incredible. His loyalty to God, despite what seemed like a suicide mission, was beyond commendable. So how is Daniel able to stay faithful to God with such a drastic threat on the line? He had three things going for him.

Daniel kept PERSPECTIVE. He was only in this position because of the respect he had gained from the administrators and satraps. His character and conviction had impressed those in positions of power. It was at that point they had to make up a law to even get him thrown in the lions’ den. Because otherwise, they did not have a reason. Daniel was able to keep perspective on who he was up to this point.

Daniel also showed incredible PERSISTENCE. As verse 10 shows, even after knowing the punishment, Daniel continued to go back to his home where he prayed not just once, but three times per day. He knew the commitment he needed to give to God, and he stayed persistent in prayer.

Finally, Daniel continued to PRAISE God. He was not praying in a way that was attacking God, frustrated with God, or angry at what could come of him. He praised His Father for all that God had done for him.

It was this perspective, persistence, and praise that allowed Daniel to keep moving forward despite the inevitable punishment he would face. Daniel did not fold, and he did not fall apart. Because he continued to keep perspective, remained persistent in prayer, and praised God regardless of the circumstances, he was rewarded and protected. What an example for us when we walk into the den of life and face our own “lions.”