Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6, ESV)
A new year compels us to borrow hope. Hope for something new. This hope, however, does not eradicate loss or hardship lingering in our hearts from days past. How do we live in the tension of both?
Small, consistent, intentional actions rooted in the Shema (our scripture passage today) is one answer. Standing firm on God’s most basic commandment as we start the year will help us carry on when hope is deferred.
The book of Daniel is known for the lion’s den and the fiery furnace; supernatural events revealing to the Babylonian king who was really in charge. Also contained in this prophetic book is a wealth of wisdom on how Daniel remained strong and faithful to his God for decades in a hostile land—the Shema.
While we tend to think Daniel is the hero of the story, Daniel knew that God was the hero. Standing firm begins with trusting the God whom Daniel knew and trusted.
Daniel didn’t start praying when his circumstances got hard. Daniel’s prayer life was regular and faithful before being exiled.Daniel embodied what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (Jeremiah 29:7).” Daniel served his people and his enemies by praying, seeking the common good for all, and giving his time and talents to help others flourish.
Encouraged by the prophet Micah, Daniel learned, “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).” Daniel didn’t have to shout his allegiance to the LORD. His faithfulness, trustworthiness, and reliability to show up without compromising his faith compelled the Babylonian leaders to take notice. He maintained his integrity and purity to the Lord even if it led him into trouble.
Daniel was able to stand firm loving his God with all his heart, soul, and might because “He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously (Daniel 6:10b).” Daniel didn’t start praying when his circumstances got hard. Daniel’s prayer life was regular and faithful before being exiled. And he continued knowing the lion’s den would be his fate.
I will be the first one in line to confess and repent that prayer is not the first thing I do, nor have I embodied it as a daily necessity like Daniel. I have leaned on prayer in moments of anxiety (like the first tee at a US Women’s Open), when heartache feels overwhelming (relational failure or death of a loved one), and when I just want what I want (an easy decision or not to have to do the hard thing).
This year will you join me in committing to small, consistent, intentional actions to serve, do justice and love kindness, and to faithfully pray? May we stand firm giving thanks to the Lord our God.
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Tracy Hanson
January 6, 2022
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