what do you do when you are rejected and alone?

 Can you relate to feeling as David did in this psalm?

Psalm 69:1–36 (ESV):   

Save me, O God! 

For the waters have come up to my neck. 

2  I sink in deep mire, 

where there is no foothold; 

I have come into deep waters, 

and the flood sweeps over me. 

3  I am weary with my crying out; 

my throat is parched. 

My eyes grow dim 

with waiting for my God. 

4  More in number than the hairs of my head 

are those who hate me without cause; 

mighty are those who would destroy me, 

those who attack me with lies. 

What I did not steal 

must I now restore? 

5  O God, you know my folly; 

the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. 

6  Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, 

O Lord God of hosts; 

let not those who seek you be brought to dishonour through me, 

O God of Israel. 

7  For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, 

that dishonour has covered my face. 

8  I have become a stranger to my brothers, 

an alien to my mother’s sons. 

9  For zeal for your house has consumed me, 

and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. 

10  When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, 

it became my reproach. 

11  When I made sackcloth my clothing, 

I became a byword to them. 

12  I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, 

and the drunkards make songs about me. 

13  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. 

At an acceptable time, O God, 

in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. 

14  Deliver me 

from sinking in the mire; 

let me be delivered from my enemies 

and from the deep waters. 

15  Let not the flood sweep over me, 

or the deep swallow me up, 

or the pit close its mouth over me. 

16  Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; 

according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. 

17  Hide not your face from your servant, 

for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. 

18  Draw near to my soul, redeem me; 

ransom me because of my enemies! 

19  You know my reproach, 

and my shame and my dishonour; 

my foes are all known to you. 

20  Reproaches have broken my heart, 

so that I am in despair. 

I looked for pity, but there was none, 

and for comforters, but I found none. 

21  They gave me poison for food, 

and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 

22  Let their own table before them become a snare; 

and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. 

23  Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, 

and make their loins tremble continually. 

24  Pour out your indignation upon them, 

and let your burning anger overtake them. 

25  May their camp be a desolation; 

let no one dwell in their tents. 

26  For they persecute him whom you have struck down, 

and they recount the pain of those you have wounded. 

27  Add to them punishment upon punishment; 

may they have no acquittal from you. 

28  Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; 

let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 

29  But I am afflicted and in pain; 

let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 

30  I will praise the name of God with a song; 

I will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

31  This will please the Lord more than an ox 

or a bull with horns and hoofs. 

32  When the humble see it they will be glad; 

you who seek God, let your hearts revive. 

33  For the Lord hears the needy 

and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 

34  Let heaven and earth praise him, 

the seas and everything that moves in them. 

35  For God will save Zion 

and build up the cities of Judah, 

and people shall dwell there and possess it; 

36  the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, 

and those who love his name shall dwell in it. 

David feels like he is sinking, that God isn’t doing anything. He is worn out with emotional distress and hoarse with crying out to God about it. Yet none of this is because he has done anything wrong. He admits that he has messed up before (v19), yet this situation with his friends and family rejecting him is nothing to do with any error or sin on his side, but because of his wholehearted commitment to God (v9). Can you imagine that? 

Many people in the world can, we hear accounts about those who are persecuted for their faith. There are traumatic stories of imprisonment, restriction and death threats. People in other nations undergo these things because of their love for God and for living life God’s way. Even in our country I have heard of stories of christians making a right stand against an issue resulting in being rejected, disciplined, businesses in trouble, taken to court. All for doing things God’s way. I bet they felt something of what David felt. Feeling like they are in too deep, drowning, rejected, attacked. I have not experienced this level of persecution, yet I found it hard enough when I felt an outcast at work due to the faith I have. It was horrible, yet that was mild compared to level of persecution that David, and others have been through. The reality is, as people of God, we should expect some kind of push back, rejection and trouble. There is an enemy in the world that does not want to see God’s kingdom come, or His people succeed, and so Satan will do everything he can to cause suffering and difficulty. Are you prepared to suffer for your faith, and will you endure it?

David, even though he was taunted and rejected by many even his own family, was prepared to go through it because of his love for God. He was sold out for God and he suffered ridicule and rejection because of it, he acknowledged that these things, ‘have broken my heart, so that I am in despair’. David felt broken by the words and actions of others. David grieved for the lost relationships and felt like he was being engulfed in misery, drowning in a sea of grief because of the extent of his heartache. He was rejected and abandoned as those he loved and relied upon turned away from him, rejected and ridiculed him. He suffered. There was a great emotional response because he cared for these people, yet he knew his words and behaviour would not change because he loved God more. No wonder David felt so distraught, he knew the cause of the tension between himself and others was his love for God, and he couldn't change that, so he had to endure heartache and the hardship. When the faith you have effects the relationships you have developed, this will really test your commitment to God. You will have to choose between God and those you care about and it will lead to despair, heartbreak and loneliness, what will you do when you encounter such difficulties?

David cried out to God, and didn't stop crying out to Him! We can hear how David suffered, and we can look at our Saviour Jesus to see how he too suffered rejection, heartbreak, loneliness and pain because of loving and obeying God. Yet both David and Jesus continued to pursue God. They did not turn back, they asked for relief, for change, for help, but they chose to continue to suffer because they knew God is greater. They understood that His love, protection, guidance, comfort and strength are worth suffering for. They also knew that these things are available even in the midst of the turmoil. They spoke to God and trusted Him to help them through. After all, if everyone else has rejected you, who is left to help, encourage and strengthen you? 

David pours out his heart to God, ‘my prayer is to you, O Lord’. He depended on no-one else for salvation, rescue or relief. David knew who could save him from, ‘sinking in the mire’. So he held onto this hope, this faith that God’s ‘steadfast love is good’. That was enough for him to endure and have hope for a new day. Is that enough for you? 

Only God can sustain and protect you from drowning in despair and save you from the trial of rejection and hopelessness. His love is good and steadfast, and He supports and saves those He loves, so keep going and copy David. Allow yourself to feel the pain of radical obedience, ask God for help, and continue to worship. His love will carry you through every circumstance no matter how bitter or joyful. Rely on Him to, ‘draw near to my soul, redeem me’ and continue, no matter what to, ‘praise the name of God’. ‘For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.’ Trust in God, for man may reject you, but God will not and He will revive your heart (v32).

the inward mind and heart of a man are deep

 Psalm 64:1–10 (ESV):  

1  Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; 

preserve my life from dread of the enemy. 

2  Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, 

from the throng of evildoers, 

3  who whet their tongues like swords, 

who aim bitter words like arrows, 

4  shooting from ambush at the blameless, 

shooting at him suddenly and without fear. 

5  They hold fast to their evil purpose; 

they talk of laying snares secretly, 

thinking, “Who can see them?” 

6  They search out injustice, 

saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.” 

For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep. 

7  But God shoots his arrow at them; 

they are wounded suddenly. 

8  They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; 

all who see them will wag their heads. 

9  Then all mankind fears; 

they tell what God has brought about 

and ponder what he has done. 

10  Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord 

and take refuge in him! 

Let all the upright in heart exult! 

Words can easily entangle and lead us down a path we never really intended on going down. This psalm can remind us how the words of deception, rumours and lies spread, and build into becoming swords, arrows and snares. The little quips and comments grow to transform people into enemies, this is what happened to David. It is bad enough having one person lying about you, saying horrible things and plotting against you, but David had a ‘throng of evildoers’ against him. How did that happen? These enemies and their schemes all started somewhere. There was one moment when something was done or said that has taken over and spiralled. One disagreement, angry word, disappointment, error, jealousy or miscommunication has led to people becoming disgruntled, conniving enemies. It may not even have been anything to do with what David has done or said. People can become our enemies for many reasons. Yet, just because someone is railing against you, doesn’t mean you should do the same. David recognised this. It is important, even when people are horrible to you, to deal with them well - To live above reproach. David did not; shout things back, sneak around after them, try to catch them out or even confront and fight them. He could have done - he was a powerful, mighty king! Even though he could have fought, and won, he did not take matters into his own hands. He could have permanently got rid of these troublesome, lying, deceitful, wicked plotters who attacked him. Instead, David preferred God's way. He talked to God about it and trusted in His eventual salvation, knowing that God’s way is better. David did not repay evil for evil, but he patiently waited for God to start shooting His arrows instead of shooting his own. For David knew that God would transform the situation and cause these enemies to be on the run and descend into ruin because they are attacking God’s man. God preserves and fights for those who love Him, so David was assured that he would not only be rescued by God from this situation, but that it would also be for the benefit other believers too. As they would see God come through and rejoice! (V10). What is your response when people behave like enemies towards you?

It is important as mentioned above, to ensure that you are living above reproach in every circumstance. To make sure that even if people treat you badly, you do not do the same to them. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:39, "I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”. Jesus' advice - Do not try to squash the behaviour of those acting badly, but let them do it! By that you are showing love and mercy like God does to us. Do not allow yourself to retaliate or become angry, for that is not godliness and you will just end up behaving the same way as those against you and become wicked yourself. Consider the disciples in the book of Acts, they undergo terrible treatment, but do not react in their own strength. They endure torture and imprisonment and glorify and trust in God through it. They did not retaliate, fight or argue back. Instead they imitated their saviour in their loving and merciful responses to those who became their enemies. They are great examples of living a painful, but dedicated life to God. They lived their life fully for Him and that meant they didn’t always behave in the way they wanted to. The disciples understood that Jesus had shown that the battle is not really theirs, that even the enemies are not fighting you, but the godliness that is within. They also realised that any argument or physical fight is not going to change the heart or mindset of the wicked. Only the love and mercy of God can do that. Do you allow this to be the case when you have enemies? Or do you roll your sleeves up ready for a fight?

David also gives us an insight in this psalm that people have many reasons for doing things as, ‘The inward mind and heart of a man are deep’. David has realised that all people have; fears, hurts, joys and hopes which combine to influence their behaviour. David recognises that there are many reasons why someone will act in a certain way because they are ‘deep’. Some get carried away, follow others, respond out of heartache, try to provide security - there are many explanations of why people behave as they do because we are complex creatures. Friends and enemies have reasons to be such, and predominantly it is not because of you. It is because of the deep things that are going on inside of them. The behaviour and decisions a person makes are often not due to one experience or one comment, but there are many thoughts, values and experiences that lead to it. Those who live righteously and those who live wickedly choose to do so as a result of the internal processing of many ideas, ideals, experiences and goals. The things that mould a person into who they become are many and complicated, and they impact how they treat others. 

When you are on the receiving end of poor behaviour or wickedness, it is easy to consider the person or people involved as wicked. Yet you do not know the inner depths of each person for, ‘The inward mind and heart of a man are deep’. You do not know that they have been through, or why they are acting as they are. Sometimes these people may even seem quite nice and honourable, as they may act wickedly towards you, but they also can seem righteous or good at times! (v5-6) People are complex creatures, we all are. We all have different motivations and reasons for being like we are. We can even seem nice to some and horrid to others. David has noticed how even those plotting evil diligently against him, ‘search out injustice’. Yet they themselves are unjust in their words and actions towards him. It is a conundrum, but not one that any of us can solve by worrying about it. Instead, David does the only thing he can - talks to God about it - the One who knows the innermost being of every man and woman, and he trusts Him to sort it out. David is certain God will bring about the right course of action, and he will wait for it. For now, until his rescue comes, David will take refuge in speaking with God, trusting in His protection, for the time will come when ‘God shoots his arrows’ at these evildoers, and the people of God will, ‘rejoice in the Lord’ for the victory God has brought about. So instead of preparing to fight, why not take guidance from David, who did not roll up his sleeves and prepare for a battle when people plotted against him, but talked to God, carried on his everyday life and waited and trusted in the love and mercy of God to bring salvation and reason for all of God's people to rejoice?

 

When friends become enemies, what do you do?

 Psalm 35:1–28 (ESV):  

1  Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; 

fight against those who fight against me! 

2  Take hold of shield and buckler 

and rise for my help! 

3  Draw the spear and javelin 

against my pursuers! 

Say to my soul, 

“I am your salvation!” 

4  Let them be put to shame and dishonour 

who seek after my life! 

Let them be turned back and disappointed 

who devise evil against me! 

5  Let them be like chaff before the wind, 

with the angel of the Lord driving them away! 

6  Let their way be dark and slippery, 

with the angel of the Lord pursuing them! 

7  For without cause they hid their net for me; 

without cause they dug a pit for my life. 

8  Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! 

And let the net that he hid ensnare him; 

let him fall into it—to his destruction! 

9  Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, 

exulting in his salvation. 

10  All my bones shall say, 

“O Lord, who is like you, 

delivering the poor 

from him who is too strong for him, 

the poor and needy from him who robs him?” 

11  Malicious witnesses rise up; 

they ask me of things that I do not know. 

12  They repay me evil for good; 

my soul is bereft. 

David is telling of a time when he was unfairly harassed and persecuted. He did not deserve it, and he really suffered at the hands of his former friends; emotionally as well as physically. David could not think of any harm he had committed, he had been kind to them, and then one day, those he once worked with turned against him for no apparent reason. Have you ever been in such a position? Where once those you’ve liked, loved, worked well with, became enemies? If so, do not fear, it is not your fault. This just clearly show how the devil and his army is at work. He will use and manipulate people to make your life difficult. There won’t necessarily be a reason other than the fact that you’re doing your best to honour God with your life. This is the reality for God’s people whether you’re a king like David, a cleaner, home maker, minister, cashier, office worker, engineer, retired or anything else. The reality is there will be people out to get you just because you stand for a kingdom they do not and they have been enticed into evil by the devil. This is the situation David is describing. 

Even though you can understand where the attack is coming from, it is still painful. David knew and he still suffered. So, David told God about it all - what was going on and how he felt, and he asked Him to intervene. David needed help to remember who he is, not to be persuaded by the words others were speaking about him or to start to believe the falsehoods that were being spread. He asked that God would save him and cause the enemy to get caught in their own schemes. 

David realised that there was no point in him fighting for himself, this was not simply a matter of people being mistaken and being able to be corrected. Therefore it would be pointless to try to stand up for himself and fight for his innocence, they simply weren’t interested. So, he implored God to sort it out as he knew that he couldn’t. This is a powerful thing to do. It reminds me of Jesus being before his accusers and being silent - it takes great self-control and confidence in God to not retaliate or argue your case. Yet there is great strength in silence when you know God can do far more than you can, and you let Him.

In order to maintain your innocence and wellbeing, your reputation and character, it is often best if you pray and wait, and continue to do what you know is right. It will be difficult and painful, but do as David did and implore God to deal with it. David had learnt that doing things his own way usually went badly and was exhausting, so now he has learned to lean into God and let Him do His thing in His timing. God knows how to deal with any situation and He desires to preserve His anointed ones, His people. Instead of panicking and worrying, pray and remind yourself of God’s power and presence and that one day you will be ‘exulting in his salvation’. 

13  But I, when they were sick— 

I wore sackcloth; 

I afflicted myself with fasting; 

I prayed with head bowed on my chest. 

14  I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; 

as one who laments his mother, 

I bowed down in mourning. 

15  But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; 

they gathered together against me; 

wretches whom I did not know 

tore at me without ceasing; 

16  like profane mockers at a feast, 

they gnash at me with their teeth. 

17  How long, O Lord, will you look on? 

Rescue me from their destruction, 

my precious life from the lions! 

18  I will thank you in the great congregation; 

in the mighty throng I will praise you. 

19  Let not those rejoice over me 

who are wrongfully my foes, 

and let not those wink the eye 

who hate me without cause. 

20  For they do not speak peace, 

but against those who are quiet in the land 

they devise words of deceit. 

21  They open wide their mouths against me; 

they say, “Aha, Aha! 

Our eyes have seen it!” 

Sometimes those you have loved and looked after stab you in the back. David tells of how painful, confusing and frustrating that is. He really, deeply cared for the people that have now taken the opportunity to try to destroy him, no wonder he is ‘bereft’. He has invested in relationships, helped, prayed and cared for the very people who now are trying to tear him apart. It is heart wrenching when those we have invested in turn their backs on us and start to attack. Do not fear or worry if this happens to you. It shows their character and commitment, not yours. Just make sure that you are not fuelling the dispute by engaging. Sometimes remaining silent is more powerful than fighting for your reputation even in their eyes. David doesn’t try to convince them about how good and innocent he is, how he has always wanted the best for them, instead he turns to God. He tells God what is going on, how unfair and painful it is. He knows that if people have turned against in this way, clubbing together to increase their hatred then there is no point trying to reestablish relationship. They will just use the opportunity to further fuel their fury. Maintain innocence in your behaviour. Do not be persuaded to use underhand techniques or to verbally fight back. That can cause you more anger and upset and destroy your character and reputation making you no longer the innocent party in the matter. God can sort out the situation. You will need to exercise restraint and self-control as you trust God to rescue you. He can shut the mouths of lions, part seas, bring bones to life so he can sort out the bullies and betrayers.

22  You have seen, O Lord; be not silent! 

O Lord, be not far from me! 

23  Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, 

for my cause, my God and my Lord! 

24  Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, 

according to your righteousness, 

and let them not rejoice over me! 

25  Let them not say in their hearts, 

“Aha, our heart’s desire!” 

Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.” 

26  Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether 

who rejoice at my calamity! 

Let them be clothed with shame and dishonour 

who magnify themselves against me! 

27  Let those who delight in my righteousness 

shout for joy and be glad 

and say evermore, 

“Great is the Lord, 

who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 

28  Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness 

and of your praise all the day long. 

David’s first response in this section is to know God is close. When others have let him down, abandoned and turned against him, he needs to know God is listening and is close by. You will need to know the comfort and strength of God’s presence too when you encounter such a time, so ask for it. Ask God to not only triumph over the enemies, but to also help you with your emotions, your sense of self and bring you comfort and assurance. God can do all of that and all at the same time!

As well as acknowledging the lost relationships, remember those whom are still standing with you. There are still those who are championing you, who really know you and care about your situation. Thank God for them! Allow them to look after you, support you and provide for you. God has given you these ones to help you, so let them. Appreciate these people and, as David does, pray for them to be able to celebrate with you when the trial is over. Do not be totally overcome by those whom have abandoned and mistreated you, but be aware of those who are still with you. Look out for them and show your love and gratitude, and invest in these relationships. 

Finally, remember that, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”. God is awesome, He is Lord and he cares about you and so will bring restoration and good to you out of this situation. The end of this torment is certain, for God brings good to those that love Him. You need to ensure that you are walking right before God and that even in trial you honour and worship Him. David does. He is clear that he is innocent in this matter and unlike his enemies he does not rejoice in others’ downfall or demise, but instead commiserates with them and rejoices in God. Even when he is accused and harassed. Keep your heart pure, and keep firm in God as your source of joy. For this trial will transform into a time of worship as you see the wisdom and power of God bring vindication and relief so, ’rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation’ You can rejoice now, even in the midst of trouble, for you can know the truth that this trial will end, that God will restore and will pour out favour on those who follow and honour Him.

Be careful what advice you heed.

 Psalm 11:1–7 (ESV):  

1 In the Lord I take refuge; 

how can you say to my soul, 

“Flee like a bird to your mountain, 

2  for behold, the wicked bend the bow; 

they have fitted their arrow to the string 

to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 

3  if the foundations are destroyed, 

what can the righteous do?” 

4  The Lord is in his holy temple; 

the Lord’s throne is in heaven; 

his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 

5  The Lord tests the righteous, 

but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 

6  Let him rain coals on the wicked; 

fire and sulphur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 

7  For the Lord is righteous; 

he loves righteous deeds; 

the upright shall behold his face. 

Be careful what advice you heed.

Through this psalm David is assured that God is his protector and safety. Even when the world seems against him he still knows that God is his ‘refuge’. David is confident in the rest and support he can find in God no matter what else is going on, so in this time of persecution he trusts God for strength, hope, justice and protection. Even when trusted advisors and friends are trying to persuade him to run away, he remains firm that God is his safety, his refuge. These well meaning people are concerned for David’s life as there is a very real death threat over him. Their considered solution for the preservation of his life is that David should run and hide ‘like a bird’ to a far off, unreachable place. The people giving this counsel care about him and seek his survival and success, they don't want him to die they want him to live freely without worrying about persecution. So their best solution is for him to leave. David was tempted. He was in danger and it seemed impossible for him to survive so the advice of these trusted friends seemed good. Yet David asks himself, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” If David’s foundation - what his life is built on - is ruined, what can come of it? If David sets the foundation of his decisions into the hands of man rather than the refuge of God, what will happen with the call on his life? What will come of God’s promises over him? If David allows popular opinion to sway his mind, what is his life built on? Does he want to build his life on the security of God, or the will of man? It is a real dilemma. 

It is a challenge we all face particularly in times of adversity. What advice do you heed? Who is leading you and your decisions? The wisest thing that others may see to do could be in contrast to what God is saying. Therefore be careful what advice you listen to. Well meaning, kind, generous people can get it wrong. We all can as we are not God. The advice of others may be well-thought and make sense yet it  may not be God-inspired. Therefore be careful what advice you are following and take time to consider as David did, what the foundation of your life is and what God wants you to do in your next dilemma.

It is true that in some circumstances David did run and hide, but in this situation he knew that although this may be the obvious solution to get away from trouble, this was not what God wanted. He knew, for this time that he had to stay in the refuge God had made for him which was where he was, not anywhere else. Otherwise he would be running FROM the safe place not to it! What could be more secure and stable than God's refuge? Even though it seemed to others the most perilous of options, God had said to remain and David did so. He heeded God even when it seemed ridiculous, terrifying and life altering. David obeyed God, not the advice of others. Do you? Are you mindful of what advice you are following?

In the midst of the trial, when you are suffering and afraid it is hard to keep going and it is difficult to remember the will of God and the promises of God over your life. Yet those things still remain - they are foundational for your life - and they are more true and everlasting than any issues that come your way. So when you encounter trials consider what or who you run to and what advice you are heeding. The word of God needs to become your foundation, then you will know where your refuge is and how to weather this storm. David knew this season for him was a test (v5).  A test of what he was believing and trusting in as the foundation of his life (v3). As a man called to be king, what was he secure in? Was he going to trust completely in God, or was he going to be more concerned about the preservation of his own life and the words of others? You too will go through times of testing and will need to decide what the foundation of your life is - is it the words of others or the Word of God that is your foundation? 

Be careful what advice you heed.

Pray for a way

  

The following section of scripture in Daniel is about the dream that the King Nebuchadnezzar had. (Daniel 2:1-16).

The king was so disturbed by this dream that he couldn’t quite remember and couldn’t quite forget, that he ordered all sorts of 'wise' people to reveal both the dream and the interpretation. He called; astronomers, astrologers, enchanters -  all those who were considered wise in society. They were called upon to help understand the dream, and reveal the dream, but none could. 

Therefore, in his sleep-deprived, disturbed and aggravated state, Nebuchadnezzar ordered all of the wise men to be slaughtered. Even those who hadn’t been called upon and knew nothing of the situation. 

The first Daniel hears about it is when he is rounded up as one of the wise men to be murdered. Understandably, he asks what is going on. He then, confidently, approaches the king and asks for some time. He lets the king even set the time at which he wants Daniel to appear before him so that he can reveal the dream. That amazes me - the confidence and boldness! The confidence Daniel has that through God, he can do this impossible thing. Even though it has NEVER been done before! Plus the confidence to go in and ask a ruthless king - whom has just ordered his death - for more time! Don’t we all need a bit of that confidence and boldness in our lives?! 

The confidence and boldness of Daniel does not stem from pride, arrogance or self-esteem, it’s roots are in God. Daniel knows God can do something, and he trusts that God will. In reality, Daniel is a dead man walking anyway, so he might as well have a go at solving this thing, and he knows just the thing to do next...

    ...He goes home and prays with his friends. There are no; tearful goodbyes, thoughts of running away,  weeping or wailing. The friends get together, in their home and pray. All of their lives are at risk and they go to the only one who can offer solace or solution in this situation.

Such a simple solution really isn’t it?! 

These young men didn’t do anything else, they got together and they prayed. committing the whole situation to God, there may have been a bit of ranting, crying, confusion, but they didn't get together to have a moan - they got together and prayed. They recognised that coming to God is the only way there will be a solution. They sought God for a way out. They knew the only way that this situation could be transformed was by seeking God for favour, for help, and for their lives. 

In times of trouble, what do you do? 

What is your first response?

When you face impossible situations do you call upon your friends to pray?

Sometimes the only way an issue can change is by God intervening. Next time you face something significant, will you come confidently and boldly to God? Will you call your friends to pray with you in your trials knowing that God can do anything... even things that have never been done before?

As we read on in Daniel, we see that their prayers are answered, they receive the revelation of the dream and it’s meaning - wahoo! Do you notice that their first response again, is to pray?

These young men are a great example of dependence on God. In their desperation and deliverance, they pray. They acknowledge that this life is too hard to do it all by themselves, so they place their entire hope and future was in God’s hands. They celebrate and commiserate in community with one another with God at the centre of it all. is it any wonder that we still read their life story today?!

So, how are you going to handle the next situation that throws you off kilter? 

When you're facing a trial that seems too big for you, it probably is, so who are those you can call upon to pray with you through it and who will celebrate with you at the end of it?