If you neglect the spiritual rhythms that grow your faith, you will be ill-prepared for whatever crises come along.

KEY VERSES

Daniel 6:10; 19-23 (NASB)

10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.

19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. 20 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

UNDERSTANDING

• What do you learn about Daniel in verses 10 and 20?

• If the king was upset over what happened with Daniel, why do you think he made the edict in the first place? What does this tell you about the king’s initial understanding of Daniel’s faith? What did the king learn about Daniel’s faith after the edict was put in place?

• Since the king was trying to save Daniel from the punishment of the edict, why do you think Daniel didn’t try to beg the king or do something to escape being thrown to the lions?

• Aside from your sanctification, what other purposes might God have in allowing difficulties to come your way?

• How do you tend to respond when you’re anxious about circumstances and what God is doing in the world around you (i.e. try to figure out how to get out of the situation, make the best of it, give into despair, trust God and pray)? How does Daniel’s story challenge or encourage you in your present circumstance?

• Give one adjective that would accurately describe your current prayer life.

APPLICATION

• From the four rhythms we examined—Read your Bible daily; Pray often; Tithe consistently; Worship weekly.—what was removed these past few months that you don’t want to reinstate (i.e. I got used to sitting on the couch for worship and it was really hard to get dressed and come here today, or my unencumbered schedule gave me time to read the Bible and I don’t want to stop)?

• What was identified that you don’t want to ignore?

• What was activated that you don’t want to deactivate?

• Considering the fact that another crisis could come into your life at any time, what needs to happen so that you are better spiritually prepared to handle these seasons faithfully?

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