Daniel's Thanksgiving

"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." - Dan 6:10 (NIV)

Daniel is known for many amazing things like interpreting dreams, overcoming fiery furnaces and lion's dens, giving prophecies, and turning a nation toward God. However, what we see in this verse is just as amazing. The "decree" refers to a law that the king had recently passed stating that anyone who prays to their God will be thrown in the lion's den. Daniel did not protest to the king (whom he had a great relationship with). He did not try to get even. He didn't even complain! Daniel "got down on his knees and prayed." Okay, I'll admit that this is something we can expect of someone who knows they're probably going face the death penalty soon. However, what happens next is not expected. Daniel "prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel gave thanks!

Many times we thank God for the great things that happen in our lives. But what about the "bad" things. A. W. Tozer said, "Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now." I like that he used the word "pure" because Jesus said, "blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." It takes a pure heart to still see God in the tough times. A pure heart is a heart connected to God and heart connected to God believes God. Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for the good of those who love God." All things! So it doesn't matter what comes our way. God says "all things." Do we believe Him. When tough times come, do we see the trial or the mighty God we serve?

How can we be like Daniel who can give thanks to God in the midst of trials. I think the key is in the last part of the verse, "just as he had done before." Daniel lived a lifestyle of thankfulness. A life in constant acknowledgment of the goodness of God. We can't expect to be able to thank God during the storm if we don't thank Him before the storm.

God is good, all the time! Thanks Jesus! Happy Thanksgiving!