But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. —Daniel 1:8-9 NASB

Daniel and the Lion’s Den is an unforgettable story of the courage and faith of an older man of God amid a severe trial. But what about Daniel, the child? What about the boy/man who was ripped from all he knew—his family, his home, and his center of worship? Taken to be a servant of a pagan king, Daniel was stripped of his Jewish identity and cultivated to be a Babylonian. He was given a new name, new clothes, a new haircut, and new food. “But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8 NASB).

Daniel was sought after for his good looks and his ability to serve the king of Babylon. Yet, even as a captive, Daniel still had choices to make. Do I trust God or my abilities? Do I follow God into the depths of the unknown or run away from Him? Do I remain faithful or become bitter?

Maybe it’s because we’re moving again, but I’ve been feeling reflective lately. Whenever I go outside, I breathe in the New England air and soak up the landscape’s all-over greenness. The flower garden is more of an oasis than in past years, and my friends are more precious than ever. Like Daniel, all I know and love is about to change, but unlike Daniel, we are leaving behind our home and loved ones by choice. And, let’s face it, it’s easy for me to exchange my winter coat for a tee shirt. But it’s not so easy to leave behind loved ones, and it’s tough to leave our church family. Even though we’re not being forced to move, dragged out of our home by Babylonian soldiers, I still have the same choices to make. Do I trust God to prepare a place for us or try to make things happen myself? Do I focus on His holiness and goodness, or do I focus on my circumstances and allow my soul to be defiled? If things don’t go as I imagine, do I remain faithful or become bitter?

Boy, I am thankful for Daniel. His steadfast faith and desire to please God, even in captivity, astound me. Embarrassingly, I’m upset when I get a bug bite or if it rains for several days in a row. It’s trivial nonsense in comparison. Mercifully, reading about Daniel’s trials and his subsequent faith calibrates my heart to God’s, enabling me to endure those bug bites and rainy days.

Moreover, reading Scripture drives me to a savoring place where I meander through the garden of God’s righteousness. If God can give a teenager the faith to ask for special food in the face of death, I know God will provide me with faith to be stripped (again) of all I know and start anew. Yes, there may be trials and trails I’d rather not walk. There may be difficult neighbors. There may be hurricanes and floods. God only knows. Nevertheless, He will be with me.

Father, may I make up my mind to “Trust in the LORD and do good; live in the land and cultivate faithfulness—delight in the LORD; and believe that You will give me the desires of my heart” (from Psalm 37:3-4 NASB).

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV).

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries 

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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