Verse from Daniel

“现在我下令，我所统治的全国人民都要在但以理的神面前战兢恐惧。“他是永活的神，他永远长存；他的国度永不灭亡，他的统治直到永远。”
‭‭但以理书‬ ‭6:26‬ ‭

“I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:26‬ ‭

In a museum in Chicago, one of the original Striding Lions of Babylon is found there. It is a large mural-type image of a winged lion with a ferocious expression. Symbolizing Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and war, the lion was an example of 120 similar lions that would have lined a Babylonian pathway during the years of 604–562 bc.

Historians say that after the Babylonians defeated Jerusalem, the Hebrew captives would have seen these lions during their time in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. Historians also say it’s likely that some of the Israelites would have believed Ishtar had defeated the God of Israel.          

Daniel, one of the Hebrew captives, did not share the doubts that might have troubled some of his fellow Israelites. His view of God and his commitment to God stayed steady. He prayed three times a day—with his windows open—even when he knew it would mean entering a den of lions. After God rescued Daniel from the hungry animals, King Darius said, “[Daniel’s God] is the living God and he endures forever . . . . He rescues and he saves” (Dan. 6:26–27). Daniel’s faithfulness allowed him to influence Babylonian leaders.

Dear God,
give me the strength to continue to trust in You when I am discouraged.
Help me to experience Your never-ending love and stay close to Your side.

Faithfulness to God despite pressure and discouragement inspires others.