Daily Devotion for July 9, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Daniel 6:16-23.

The Book of Daniel’s setting is summarized well in the first Disciple Bible Study Manual by Richard and Julia Wilke, “King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ravaged Judah, deported the stronger, younger people in 597 B.C. and finally destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 587/586 B.C. Daniel and his young friends were selected to be trained and to serve the empire.” 

Now there is a new King, (following Kings Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar). King Darius depended on Daniel as one of his three leaders over the 120 satraps which were all appointed so that the “king would not suffer loss.” (6:2). The other leaders were jealous of Daniel and asked King Darius to decree a law, “For the next thirty days no one is to pray to any god or mortal except you, O king. Anyone who disobeys will be thrown into the lions’ den.” (from The Message.) 

We can’t begin to imagine the faith-testing situation for Daniel. But Daniel is faithful and trusts in God. After hearing the decree, Daniel goes home to open the windows and prays three times a day. Daniel trusts God completely no matter the outcome. By faith, he risked his life to follow God. Daniel’s trust gave witness to the Living God! And King Darius gave a new decree that the people of his kingdom would worship the living God of Daniel.

Personal Worship Option:

“Lord, sometimes we find ourselves trusting in anything other than You. Forgive us, we pray. Thank you for Daniel and grant us the courage to be faithful and trust completely in You. Amen.