The book of Daniel in the Bible starts with captivity. This captivity and conquest was prophesied so Daniel probably remembered the words of the prophets as he was being led away from his land and people. However, because of his youth and intellect, he was enslaved to serve the king. He was enslaved to serve with his intellect.
However, this privilege of serving in the king’s court came with trading his lifestyle of reverence to God to allegiance to the ways of the Babylonians. His name was changed. His name, Daniel, which meant ‘ God is my judge’ was now Belteshazaar which honored a pagan deity. The captor’s goal was to disconnect the captives from their land and their God. He was now offered food that he was not used to eating but was considered royal. But Daniel ‘resolved’ to follow the Lord. He knew God was watching over Him even in captivity. He knew He had to continue in His faith. He ‘requested’ those in authority for foods he could eat (based on the dietary laws he followed). This is possibly a faith forming private ritual in this context. He resolved to follow the Lord in ways he had control.
This young lad knew his God saw all that he was going through so he continued in the ways he knew he worshipped God.
Proverbs 15:3 says : The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Today I pray for those in unfair situations, in marriages that belittle or discourage, in political climates that threaten lives, in financial situations of dire need, and in physically trying health conditions. The Lord sees you. The Lord sees us. The Lord knows. I pray for strength and wisdom to make the right decision because the Omnipotent, Almighty, Omniscient, Creator watches us. He is honored and lifted up in the decisions we make.
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