AND THEN THERE'S DANIEL

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. DANIEL 1:8 KJV

Imagine yourself away from home, with new people, new culture, new food, new home, new everything.  And no one really knows you or who you are.

In a sense, you could reinvent yourself.

A friend of mine shared, years ago, she did not like being who she was all through her school years, so she decided to change her attitude, perspective, everything.  She went from being shy, quiet, the wallflower – to being open, willing to talk and willing to try new things and adventures.  This is  the friend I know.  And she is so fun to be around.

Daniel had this opportunity to change himself.  He was a young man (about 15 years old), when he, along with his people, were taken captive and exiled into Babylon.  Here was a teenager with a whole new set of circumstances.  He could basically do/say/act/change however he wanted.

But what did he choose?

He purposed in his heart not to defile himself.

Let’s break this down into pieces to understand what this would mean for us today.

Daniel purposed – he resolved, he made a choice.  The Hebrew word for this is soom and it has many meanings because it is a root verb.  The basic general meaning is to put.  How could we word this phrase then?  Daniel put his heart and directed his life and choices to not defile himself.  He chose the path less travelled.  He chose to:

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33 NIV

He sought the things of God.  Daniel was Jewish, he grew up in a Jewish home and as a result he was a God-fearing young man.  Did you know he is one of the few who has nothing negative to say about him.  No sins are mentioned he committed, no attitudes amiss, no lies, sneakiness, nothing.  He was not perfect – only Christ is – but to be known for his strong godly character is saying something.

Daniel led his heart and his feet and his mind.  He chose to:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.  Deuteronomy 6:5  NIV

His home, before the exile, exemplified this command of God.  So therefore, Daniel was able to continue on this path.  He did the next thing; he knew how to act so he just did it without having to think about it – it was as natural as his next breath.

How about you?  Me?  When we are faced with difficult circumstances (and remember Daniel was a slave in exile), what is your response, what is mine? 

During the almost-five years of suffering, I can say, I did not always choose wisely – especially in the complaining and doubting departments.

When I think back to those times (in the very recent past), my heart just hurts for what I endured.  I had no idea how long it would last, if I would ever be healed, or if I would have damage beyond repair.

I begged, pleaded, cried, mourned, accepted.  And started that merry-go-round all over again.  Repeatedly.  And where did it lead me?  Self-pity and deep sadness.  Moments that were not my finest.  They were rather defined as my darkest hour(s).

However, when I chose to purpose in my heart, there was victory, peace and so much more.  God was a close as my next breath.  He was right there with me in the valley, in the lion’s den, in the cave, the wheelchair, my room (in which I did not leave for one year, at one point).

God became so much more to me during that time – He showed me Himself in so many ways, and I learned how incredibly faithful He is.  I learned that as I endured, He endured with me.  As I abided in Him, He abided in me.  As I remained in Him, He remained in me.  This is the meaning of the verses in John 15:1-4.  Whether I wanted this path for myself, I had it marked out for me by God, and I can say….dare I even say it?

It was sweet.

With tears streaming down my face, I can say, God is good.  What He does is good.  And He does good in my life.  In the trials, tribulations, pain and affliction.  It was a time in my life I would not want to repeat, but then, a time I will cherish forever.

When we purpose in hearts to follow Christ, we are not left alone to muddle through.  We are promised a Helper:

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – “  John 14:16  NIV

This promise was spoken by Jesus and it is for us today.  I have found this promise to be true, in so many ways.

I pray you are encouraged to lead your heart, to purpose to not defile yourself, or to compromise on what you know to be true.  I pray you follow hard after Jesus.  That you endure with Him – because He endures with you.  I pray you hear and recognize His voice, whispering His love song over you.

And it gives you peace.  Undeniable peace because you have been in the presence of the Master. 

PRAYER

Father, my heavenly Father. I thank You for giving me a purpose and a reason to choose You and Your ways. I want more of You and more of what You have for me. Even if it includes hard things - because I know You will be with me. I do not say this lightly, but I do say it with my whole heart. You are good and I desire to please You in all I do and in all I am.