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PROGRAM D-8099
Do you know what caused Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ den? It was the jealous rage of his coworkers who were determined to undermine his position of power and destroy him. His account helps us discern how to deal with jealousy.
This familiar story is recorded in Daniel 6, and I encourage you to re-read that chapter soon. It’s an amazing example of a godly response to ungodly people. I have pointed out how when Daniel learned that his coworkers had devised this wicked plan to destroy him, he did not become defensive in any way. He just kept on doing what he knew was right to do—working hard at his job and honoring God without compromise.
One of my tendencies is to overreact. Do you share that tendency with me? It’s so easy to respond from anger and indignation. I have to believe that Daniel had that same urge. Daniel was, I imagine, as human as we are, and that his first thoughts were not totally calm and kind. However, he simply did not allow that first reaction to control his behavior.
I’m learning not to be surprised to discover that my initial reaction is not appropriate, but rather almost to expect my sinful human nature to try to lead me down that wrong way of thinking. However, I must quickly determine how I’m going to handle that initial reaction. Will it control me, or will I, by the grace of God, refuse to be controlled by my impulses, allowing instead God’s Spirit to give me the wisdom I need?
If I can learn to pray before I respond, then I’m in good shape. That’s what Daniel did. As soon as he learned about his coworkers’ evil intent, he prayed. When you feel that urge to defend and the anger at being treated unfairly, get by yourself somewhere and pray. Tell God how you feel, and then ask him to deliver you from being controlled by your feelings and to keep you from overreacting. If you will do that, you’ll have the same power available to you that was available to Daniel, and you will be able to respond in a way equally honoring to God.
Of course, praying wasn’t a new thing for Daniel. He did it regularly—daily. That’s why he had the strength to respond appropriately. It always comes back to that, doesn’t it? Our inner power comes as a result of spending time each day getting to know God. It was true for Daniel, and it is true for us as well.