Christian LonelinessSample

Day 3: At Work

In order to make money to survive and support their families, people spend a lot of time at work. In fact many people spend more time in the work environment with co-workers than they do with their families.  Since we can spend a lot of time at work, it can really affect us if the environment is bad. Work can be a lonely place for Christians.

A great example of Christian loneliness at work is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel was one of the captives of Judah who was taken away as a kid when Babylon conquered them. He served the king of Babylon, and later the king of the Medes and Persians, as a counselor and wise man.

Daniel was devoted to God. God blessed him with immense wisdom. So Daniel was frequently someone the kings relied upon and trusted. Because he was so good at his job king Darius was set to promote him. Daniel’s coworkers were jealous and looked for ways to get him in trouble. They finally realized they couldn’t find anything since Daniel didn’t do anything wrong. They knew the only way they could get him is if he would have to do something that goes against his beliefs in God.

Daniel performed his job duties to the highest standard, but he never let his duty to his job be more important than his duty to God. When his coworkers tricked the king into making a law about worshipping only the king for 30 days, Daniel didn’t have a debate about it or argue. He simply went right back to doing what he always did and prayed to God 3 times per day giving thanks.

Daniel prayed alone. Daniel was sentenced to the lion’s den alone. Daniel also spent the night in the den with the lions alone. But Daniel knew God. He spent so much time with Him that he was not shaken when he didn’t have people standing by his side. And because Daniel endured Christian loneliness, God was glorified throughout the earth.

May we all have the strength and boldness that Daniel showed. He was willing to stand firm for God even when it was going to cost him everything.