Daniel 6:16, 20-23 NLT
So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions… [The next morning, the king] called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God… able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “…My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me…” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
Daniel was found guilty of praying to God. The guards came to take him to the lions’ den, and he accepted his fate. Was he scared? What happened next? We’re not told, so allow me to imagine.
Daniel was led to the opening of the den where he slid down a wall to the floor. Startling roars came from the caverns as the huge cats charged aggressively. Daniel braced as the big male lions skidded to a stop just feet from him. Sniffing and snorting, one by one, they each lost interest and went back into the caves. Two curious cubs eased closer. Playfully, they began to entertain Daniel as their mother watched closely. Soon, the mother lion came and lay by Daniel, and the four of them fell asleep (and that’s what happened!).
The “fourth man in the fire” had come to sustain Daniel. When morning came, Daniel was awakened by the king calling, “Daniel…was your God able to save you?” Daniel replied, “My God is more than able, O king” (And Chandler Moore appeared with a piano and began to sing More Than Able!).
Two scriptures come to mind:
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) – Be sober, Be vigilant; your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Psalm 34:7 (NKJV) – The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
I don’t know what might be threatening your peace and safety today: other people, financial pressure, sickness, depression, or some demonically imposed oppression. I do know that God has promised to never leave or forsake us. In the midst of danger or what looks like the end, God’s presence encamps and delivers us. You will get through this! Be encouraged!
Prayer
Father, thank You for being my protection. You are an ever-present help in times of need, threats, sickness, depression, and every lion-like attack. Shut the mouths of lions on my behalf, I pray. The battle is the Lord’s, and You stand for me, in Jesus’ name!