Finding Faith and Silence Amidst Life's Pressures
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound story of Daniel chapter 6, focusing on an often-overlooked character, King Darius. This narrative is not just about Daniel's unwavering faith but also about Darius's unexpected journey of faith and the lessons we can draw from his actions. We began by acknowledging the pressures and anxieties of life, recognizing that each of us handles stress differently. Some internalize it, while others manifest it outwardly. The key question posed was: How do we handle life's pressures, and where do we turn in times of stress?
Darius, a polytheistic king, surprisingly acknowledges the power of Daniel's God. Despite not being a believer in the same way Daniel was, Darius demonstrates a remarkable faith, hoping for Daniel's deliverance from the lion's den. This story challenges us to consider our own faith and whether we approach God with the same confidence and expectation as Darius did. Darius's actions teach us about the importance of turning off distractions and embracing silence, allowing us to focus on God and our faith. In a world filled with noise and constant activity, finding moments of quiet can be where we truly encounter God.
Furthermore, Darius's faith was one of expectation. He ran to the lion's den the next morning, hoping to find Daniel alive, demonstrating a belief that God could indeed perform the impossible. This challenges us to approach our prayers with the same expectation, believing that God can and will answer. The story of Darius and Daniel encourages us to seek a quiet faith amidst a distracted world, to practice silence, and to expect God to meet us in our uncertainty.
Key Takeaways:
1. Handling Life's Pressures: We all face stress and anxiety differently, but the key is to recognize how we manifest these pressures and where we turn for relief. Instead of distractions, we should turn to God, trusting that He can handle our burdens. [24:32]
2. Unexpected Faith: King Darius, despite being a polytheist, acknowledges the power of Daniel's God. This teaches us that sometimes those unfamiliar with God can demonstrate remarkable faith, challenging us to approach God with the same confidence. [35:41]
3. Embracing Silence: In a world full of distractions, Darius's choice to turn off all distractions and focus on his concern for Daniel teaches us the value of silence. It's in these quiet moments that we can truly encounter God. [38:53]
4. Faith with Expectation: Darius's expectation that Daniel might survive the lion's den challenges us to approach our prayers with the same hope and belief that God can do the impossible. [48:14]
5. Quiet Faith in a Distracted World: We are called to cultivate a quiet faith amidst the noise of life. This involves practicing silence, setting aside distractions, and expecting God to meet us in our uncertainty and imperfection. [50:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:18] - Announcements and Community Events
- [02:03] - Cuban Family Relief Efforts
- [03:13] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [24:32] - Handling Life's Pressures
- [25:16] - Personal Struggles with Stress
- [26:45] - Faith in Times of Weakness
- [27:37] - Introduction to Daniel 6
- [28:37] - King Darius's Role
- [32:51] - Daniel's Faithfulness
- [34:19] - Darius's Acknowledgment of God
- [35:41] - Unexpected Faith
- [38:53] - Embracing Silence
- [41:40] - Turning to God in Stress
- [48:14] - Faith with Expectation
- [50:44] - Quiet Faith in a Distracted World
- [53:21] - Conclusion and Application Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Daniel 6:16-24
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Observation Questions:
1. How does King Darius's reaction to Daniel's situation reflect his view of Daniel's God? [34:19]
2. What actions did Darius take the night Daniel was in the lion's den, and what might these actions indicate about his state of mind? [38:53]
3. What was Darius's response the morning after Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, and what does this reveal about his expectations? [48:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Darius's acknowledgment of Daniel's God suggest about the influence of Daniel's faith on those around him? [35:41]
2. How might Darius's decision to turn off distractions and embrace silence be seen as a form of seeking God, even if unintentionally? [38:53]
3. In what ways does Darius's expectation of Daniel's survival challenge our own approach to prayer and faith? [48:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on how you handle life's pressures. Do you tend to internalize stress or manifest it outwardly? What steps can you take to turn to God instead of distractions during these times? [24:32]
2. Consider a time when someone outside of your faith community demonstrated unexpected faith. How did that challenge or inspire your own faith journey? [35:41]
3. In a world full of distractions, how can you create moments of silence in your daily routine to focus on God? What specific changes can you make this week to embrace silence? [38:53]
4. Think about your current prayer life. Do you approach God with expectation and belief that He can do the impossible? How can you cultivate a more expectant faith in your prayers? [48:14]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel uncertain or imperfect. How can you invite God into that space and trust Him to meet you there? [50:44]
6. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a quiet faith amidst the noise of life? Consider setting aside a specific time each day for silence and reflection. [50:44]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt the need to be perfect before approaching God. How can you shift your mindset to embrace coming to God as you are, with all your imperfections? [37:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Turning to God in Times of Stress
In life, we all face pressures and anxieties that can manifest in various ways. Some people internalize stress, while others express it outwardly. The key is to recognize how we handle these pressures and where we turn for relief. Instead of seeking distractions, we are encouraged to turn to God, trusting that He can handle our burdens. This approach not only provides us with peace but also strengthens our faith as we rely on God's strength rather than our own. By acknowledging our limitations and seeking divine help, we can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and hope. [24:32]
Psalm 55:22 (ESV): "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Reflection: What is one specific burden you are carrying today that you can consciously choose to cast upon God, trusting Him to sustain you?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Familiarity
King Darius, despite being a polytheist, acknowledges the power of Daniel's God. This unexpected faith challenges us to consider our own approach to God. Sometimes, those who are unfamiliar with God can demonstrate remarkable faith, reminding us that faith is not limited to those who have grown up in a religious environment. Darius's actions encourage us to approach God with confidence and expectation, believing in His power to intervene in our lives. This story invites us to examine our own faith and to seek a deeper, more trusting relationship with God, regardless of our background or previous experiences. [35:41]
Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have underestimated God's ability to work through unexpected people or situations? How can you open your heart to see His work in new ways?
Day 3: The Power of Silence
In a world filled with distractions, King Darius's choice to turn off all distractions and focus on his concern for Daniel teaches us the value of silence. It's in these quiet moments that we can truly encounter God. By embracing silence, we create space for reflection, prayer, and a deeper connection with the divine. This practice allows us to hear God's voice more clearly and to align our lives with His will. In the midst of noise and constant activity, finding moments of quiet can be transformative, leading to spiritual growth and renewed faith. [38:53]
Lamentations 3:25-26 (ESV): "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: How can you intentionally create a moment of silence in your day today to listen for God's voice and seek His presence?
Day 4: Expectant Faith
Darius's expectation that Daniel might survive the lion's den challenges us to approach our prayers with the same hope and belief that God can do the impossible. This story encourages us to pray with expectation, trusting that God hears us and is capable of intervening in miraculous ways. By cultivating a faith that anticipates God's action, we open ourselves to experiencing His power and presence in our lives. This expectant faith not only strengthens our relationship with God but also inspires us to live with hope and courage, knowing that nothing is beyond His reach. [48:14]
Mark 11:24 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Reflection: What is one specific prayer you can bring before God today with a heart full of expectation, trusting Him to work in ways beyond your understanding?
Day 5: Cultivating Quiet Faith
We are called to cultivate a quiet faith amidst the noise of life. This involves practicing silence, setting aside distractions, and expecting God to meet us in our uncertainty and imperfection. By nurturing a quiet faith, we create space for God to work in our lives, allowing His presence to guide and sustain us. This practice helps us to remain grounded in our faith, even when the world around us is chaotic and overwhelming. By prioritizing moments of stillness and reflection, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience His peace and guidance in all aspects of our lives. [50:44]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.'"
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to cultivate a quiet faith, setting aside distractions to focus on your relationship with God?
Quotes
We often think of faith in times like this as that should be the rock-solid foundation that we stand on. We look to faith and we say, well, I should have more faith in moments of my personal weakness, that I should, in some way, I should be able to stand on the message of Jesus Christ and that he should solve all of my problems. But that doesn't always happen, does it? [00:27:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Sometimes we then begin to question our health. We begin to question our faith, and that causes more worry because we say, why don't I have the faith to handle this situation? Today's story comes from Daniel chapter 6, and as we look at Daniel chapter 6 together, what I want us to do is I want us to look at Darius. [00:27:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I don't know what it was like for Daniel that first day when the law is signed and he goes home and it says that he goes home he goes to the upper room of his home he opens the window he faces Jerusalem and he prays and I and I speculate at least on Daniel what what could have happened if he had said I'm just not going to open the shades today I'm facing Jerusalem I'm doing everything that I can but today I'm going to leave the window shut because I know that what I'm about to do is illegal he doesn't do that he he opens his windows he he embraces the faith that he's always had [00:31:40] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It's not, this is an acknowledgement of Daniel's faithfulness, that Daniel has consistently been faithful. And notice that King Darius even acknowledges that Daniel is a man who's constantly in prayer. He is constantly in the service of his God, which are things that we're told to do as well. Well, but Darius believes that Daniel's God is capable of saving him. [00:34:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Sometimes those who are unfamiliar with God can see the power of God. It's those people who may not even acknowledge him as their God, who have the most remarkable faith. Darius here, the man who does not truly believe in God, in Daniel's God who's called Yahweh, he doesn't believe in him in the same way. But yet he acknowledges that Daniel's God can save. Save. [00:35:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
How many fear coming to God unprepared or not ready when God has never asked us to clean ourselves up? God has never once said, make your life right before you come to me. God has taken the person, each one of us, wherever we were in our beginning, and has traveled with us through this journey of life in the midst of our weaknesses, in the midst of our failures, and he has walked with us each through our journey. [00:37:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The second thing I notice in Darius in his life and in this moment is that he turns off all the distractions. Let's look now at verse 18. So we're coming to verse 18. We skip verse 17. There's not a lot there. You can read it yourself. But verse 18 makes this comment. Then the king returned to his palace, and he spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought into him, and he could not sleep. [00:38:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
How often do we turn to the screen? In our life, how often do we binge watch The Office or do we binge watch MSNBC, CBS, Fox News, that we binge watch whatever this is on a screen so that we can somehow escape from our reality, from the life that we are living? We use this and we call it, well, it's like, I just need to decompress. That's the famous man line whenever we come home from a long day of work is it's like, I just need to decompress. [00:43:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The third thing I see in Darius is a faith that has expectation. Verse 19. This was to me the most interesting thought. Darius is king. He knows Daniel's throwing the lions in. And by the way, these lions are hungry. It's not like they're well-fed and it's not like they're the tame ones that you have at the zoo. And if you want to ask Anna, even the zoo animals, you don't really interact with them. You're protected from them unless they tranquilize them. So you don't really hang out with the lions. [00:47:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
This week, when you face worries and anxieties, I want you to set aside the distractions of God or set aside the distractions from God and focus on him. You see Darius's willingness to seek God, I believe is an encouragement to us. It's an encouragement for us to seek God. So if I were to give you a concluding line, something that you should take home with you today, I want you to have a call to quiet faith in the midst of a distracted world. [00:50:37] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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