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Daniel 6:14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.
King Darius liked Daniel a great deal. Seemingly, he was most upset with himself about how this situation was unfolding. Yes, the king would have known he had been manipulated into signing this law that nobody could pray to any god but him. He would have been well aware that he had been tricked.
But we donāt see Darius initially get upset with those who tricked him. Instead, the king was most upset with himself. Despite the fact that others had manipulated him, he knew that he still had the final decision. He could have asked more questions in order to identify the motives of those who wrote this law. He could have been more discerning. Due to his own lack of wisdom and discernment, he had been tricked.
Now, the king is realizing the consequences of his lack of foresight. He likely came to understand this important principle: The decisions we make donāt only impact our own lives but the lives of countless others.
READING & PRAYERS:
Ā Ā Ā DANIEL 6:14-28 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: The decisions we make donāt only impact our own lives but the lives of countless others. What can you do today to ensure that you have all the information needed in order to make wise and discerning decisions?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Write down a list of a few things that help you experience peace and contentment in life. Then consider creating a plan that leads to you saying āyesā to these things more regularly and ānoā to others.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Iām grateful for todayās reminder that the decisions I make donāt only impact my own life but the lives of countless others. Help me to grow in wisdom and discernment so that the decisions I make are a blessing to others, and not a curse. In Jesusā name. Amen.
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