19 “Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
6:19
Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions.
King Darius had insomnia that night, so he rose early in the morning to see what had happened to Daniel in the den of lions.
6:20
And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
The king spoke with a “lamenting” (sad) voice. His mind was full of anguish. He feared that there would be dead silence when he called Daniel.
The king’s question revolved around whether Daniel’s God delivered him. Wealth and position did not address the anxiety of the king. Neither wealth nor position guarantee satisfaction. His luxury and splendid palace did not comfort him. Had Darius believed his own statement that “your God will deliver you,” his personal life would not be in such disorder. He was totally despondent and discouraged.
Darius recognized that Daniel served God “continually.” He did not stop serving God when things got rough. Some people serve God for success. Daniel served God in success and disappointment. Fellowship with the Lord was more real to him than any scenario of success. No honor or status symbol deflected him from his highest priority.
PRINCIPLE:
Circumstances do not determine the bearing of the mature believer, but orientation to God’s Word does.
APPLICATION:
Divine power is never an issue in our deliverance. The issue is always one of divine sovereignty and will. If deliverance is in God’s plan, God will rescue us from our situation. God always has a plan for the believer, whether by life or by death. Release from suffering on earth is as much deliverance as freedom from our problem. This is why the believer can stay calm and collected under great duress.
We cannot say without qualification, “God, heal me of cancer.” That is an issue of God’s will. God’s purpose for each believer is different.
Circumstances did not dictate his orientation. That was the difference between the trauma in the king’s palace and the calmness of Daniel in the lions’ den.
