Where do you run or turn to when you receive bad news, afraid, or the things around you fall apart?
Some will run to a friend or a special place they have visited before when bad things happen. Some try to hide their fears, depression, or pain by getting lost in TV shows, movies or books. Others numb their pain by leaning on alcohol and other substances.
In Daniel 9, Daniel learns of devastating news. Jerusalem, the city he loves, must lie desolate for 70 years. But instead of running from the fear and pain of continued desolation, Daniel turned to the Lord. Daniel 9:3 says, “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition…”
When bad things happen, our first instinct is often to run. We beg God to remove us from the situation as quickly and as pain-free as possible. But Daniel doesn’t do that. Instead, he faced the reality of the circumstances and acknowledges that God’s punishment is deserved and takes responsibility for his and Israel’s disobedience. Then, Daniel repents and asks for forgiveness.
Not numbing or running from reality by ignoring it, is the spiritual equivalent of shining a light in the dark corners of our souls. Like Daniel, we too have to face reality to change it. Allowing ourselves to experience grief over our sin is the first step to moving past it.
By allowing ourselves to see the situation as it is, we can begin the process of replacing what the lies we believed about our situations, with the truth of the Bible. We have to face reality to change it. When we turn a blind eye to get out from under the pain, we miss out on what God wants to do in and through it.
As Daniel was praying, a messenger Gabriel from God in Daniel 9:23 told him, "At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly beloved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision".
This verse highlights that God responded to Daniel's prayer immediately, sending Gabriel to him because Daniel was greatly loved. God wanted Daniel to know that Israel would experience the consequences of their sin and spiritual behavior, but it wouldn't last forever. He had a plan and Daniel and Israel needed to trust in that plan.
Daniel 9:24 reveals the prophecy about the future of God's people and the holy city of Jerusalem, outlining a period of time during which specific events would occur. These events include the conclusion of Israel's transgressions, the end of sin, atonement for iniquity, the establishment of everlasting righteousness, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the anointing of the most holy place.
God's promise to Daniel and Israel was that He had a plan and He would not abandon them even though they had abandoned Him time and time again.
Like Daniel and the people of Israel as a follower of Christ you are precious to God. Be assured that just as Daniel cried out to God over his sin and the sins of Israel, God hears you too as you cry out to Him over your own sin.
As God loved Israel and had to deal with their sin, He loves you as well. And because of that great love for you, He loves you too much to let sin remain in you and He will deal with you until you come to repent and turn from your sins.
One day we will not have to battle sin any longer. But until then, Christians continue to battle sin in their lives due to the ongoing presence of sin in a fallen world.
Despite being justified in Christ, believers still face the temptation and the internal conflict that arises from their sinful nature. The struggle is a normal part of the Christian life, reflecting the ongoing battle between the believer's inner desires and the desire to follow God's will. This struggle is a result of the human condition influenced by sin, and it is a testament to the believer's reliance on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the flesh.
Today sweet friend, trust God's plan for your life, for He knows His plans for you and they are awesome! "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Hold Fast,
-Bren
