Verse from Daniel

[God] rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. Daniel 6:27

In Daniel 6, God used something undeniable to get people’s attention: He miraculously rescued Daniel after he’d been placed in a lion’s den for choosing to defy King Darius’ decree by continuing to pray to God (vv. 10-23). The prophet survived because he’d “trusted in . . . God” (v. 23). Darius then declared that—unlike the dead idols of the Medes and Persians—Daniel’s God was “the living God [who] endures forever” (v. 26). He alone “rescues and . . . saves [and] performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth” (v. 27). It’s remarkable that even a pagan king acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty. Like a giant, divine “thumbtack,” God’s act of power couldn’t be overlooked.

Sometimes God gets our attention as He does something significant and undeniable (v. 27)—supernatural rescues, right-on-time provisions, and heart transformations. Other times, He works quietly as we watch and wait. Let’s stand in awe of what He’s doing in and around us today—trusting in Him and His great power (v. 23).

Verse from 1 Chronicles

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.”

‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭

After restoring the presence of God to their people through the Ark of the Covenant, David and Asaph, gave the people these verses as a song to perpetually remind them of the importance of seeking God's strength and presence (face) because:

• Our strength is found in the Lord's presence (2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Ephesians 6:10).
• Our grace and mercy come from the Lord's loving presence (Isaiah 63:7-9; 2 John 1:3).
• Our hope centers on seeing the Lord face-to-face in His presence and knowing Him even as we are known by Him (1 John 3:1-2).

As children of God, we can look to the Lord and His might. We don't have to rely only on our own strength and wisdom to chart our paths. 

As we seek the Lord's face while leaning on His gracious and powerful presence, the Lord leads us with His Spirit, empowering us as He works in our lives for our ultimate good (Romans 8:12-17, 28-29).

Verse from Proverbs

“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭

A smile has a fascinating effect on our brain chemistry. Researchers have found that “when we smile it releases brain chemicals called endorphins which have an actual physiological relaxing effect.” Not only can a smile diffuse a tense situation, but it can also diffuse tension within us. Our emotions affect us as well as others. The Bible teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Eph. 4:31–32).

When anger or tension or bitterness threatens our relationship with the Lord and with others, it helps to remember that “a cheerful heart is good medicine” for our own joy and well-being.