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CONTEXT: Daniel and his friends begin living in exile in Babylon.

Have you ever been afraid of the future? Everything in your world seems unfamiliar, and you’re not sure what to do. Maybe you’re afraid of choosing the wrong path. Or maybe the decision is out of your control altogether. Fear sets in, overwhelming your mind and body and holding you prisoner.

Yesterday, we read that Daniel and his friends endured years of war and destruction. Now, they faced an uncertain future in a foreign land with an unfamiliar culture, language, and customs, many of which contradicted God’s laws that they’d been taught to honor and live by. But King Nebuchadnezzar demanded full compliance. Daniel and his friends were prisoners. They didn’t know what the future held but knew they weren’t in control. Their lived experiences to that point would have made it easy for fear to take over. They were already physical prisoners. Fear would have made them emotional ones as well.

We’ve all experienced fear of some kind: an accident, diagnosis, the loss of a job or loved one, or uncertainty. How we respond makes all the difference and clearly indicates how deeply we trust God with the details of our lives. Daniel and his companions learned that their only comfort and guidance would come from God.

In the days ahead, we will see Daniel and his friends choose to be courageous in the darkest moments despite how they feel. Does that mean they weren’t afraid? No. Being courageous isn’t the absence of fear. It’s trusting that God’s promises are true, that He is who He says He is, and that He will never leave us.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. When have you found yourself in an unfamiliar situation? What concerned you the most about these changes in your life?

2. Think of an area that you are currently fearful about. What would it look like for you to completely trust God with it?

3. Write a prayer honestly sharing your fears with God and ask Him to replace your fear with His courage and peace.