Determined

The weather in Texas is crazy.  Beautiful one day with temperatures in the 70's.  The very next day or even by bedtime it can be windy, rainy, and 40 degrees colder.  I have worn snow boots and shorts all in the same week.  I have been swimming on New Year's Eve and wearing a jacket in June.  All that to say, you really can't count on knowing what the weather will do.  It's often like that with people.

But I have been looking at the life of Daniel and realized that he was someone people could count on.  You get your first clue of Daniel's character in Daniel 1:8.  The story opens with Daniel taken captive along with the rest of the people of Israel by the Babylonian Empire.  Daniel is a young man of nobility who is also without blemish, well-favored in appearance, skillful in all wisdom, discernment and understanding.  He is apt at learning knowledge and competent.  Because of these traits he is chosen to be immersed in Babylonian culture, literature and language so he can serve in the Babylonian king's palace.

It says in verse 8 that Daniel "determined in his heart."  Other versions say Daniel was resolved.  Others say Daniel "purposed in his heart."  I have been fascinated by Daniel for some time.  I have read about him and studied the book of Daniel.  I continue to be amazed by this man's determination.  So what was Daniel determined to do?  I imagine he was determined far more than I can see.  But for now, I have found three things that Daniel determined in his heart.  He was committed to purity, prayer and purpose. 

Purity - the state of being unsullied by sin or moral wrong. I love what it says in Daniel 6:4.  You see there were plenty of people who were threatened by Daniel's honesty, virtue and integrity.  These people set out to destroy Daniel and chapter 6, verse 4 tells us what happened.  "Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him."  Now that is purity played out in a life.

Prayer -  the act of communicating with God by way of worship, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. Daniel was a man who prayed and prayed often.  We see evidence of this throughout the book of Daniel.  But my favorite example is found in chapter 2.  The fickle and prideful king has issued a decree that would mean the death of Daniel and his friends.  With wisdom and tact he approached the king and asked for time to pray about the circumstances.  So rather than panic, Daniel seeks out his friends and they go to the Lord for wisdom and discernment.  WOW!

Purpose - the reason for which anything is done, created, or exists.  Daniel clearly understood his purpose.  He was created by God to bring God glory.  He existed at this time and in this place to shine light on the sovereignty of God.  All the things that were done to him and for him were designed to reveal the character of God.  God's character was something, I might add, that Daniel was well acquainted with.  Daniel knew God is faithful, loving, powerful and holy.  Daniel's purpose reflected an awesome God, the Ancient of Days. 

So, this leaves me with a burning question.  What have I determined in my heart?  What have you determined in yours?  I know.  A whole lot to think about.  Think I'll start with prayer.  Hope you will too.