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Daniel 7:2-3 In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others.
The NIV Theological Study Bible rightly notes that the remainder of the book of Daniel contains four visions. These visions can all be summarized like this: As the people of God, you are currently experiencing exile and oppression. But this won’t always be the case. Better days are coming. God will rescue you in the days to come and at the end of time.
As such, these pages in the Book of Daniel are bleeding with hope. It’s highly likely that when the people of God first heard these passages being read to them, there would have been a tremendous amount of excitement for their future. Many understood that there were two competing ideals: Empire vs. Shalom. At this time in history for the people of God, Empire (power, success, wealth) is what they saw within the Babylonian Empire. But days of peace and contentment were near, which gave God’s people a lot of hope.
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 7:1-28 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Be honest: Do you find yourself more afraid of what might happen in your day, or more hopeful because you believe God is ultimately in control? What steps could you begin to take to experience more hope in your thoughts?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Practice breath prayers throughout the day. Breathe in with the first part of the prayer, then exhale with the second. Some examples include: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Speak Lord, I am listening.” “You are the potter, I am the clay.” “Peace. Be still.”
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, I recognize that I’m often more afraid of what might happen, especially in areas of life that are outside my control. In reality, this can bring me to experience more hope, because You are ultimately in control. Help me to surrender my desire for control to you. Amen.
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