"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days." Daniel 6:10
We were making our way to the back of our three acre lot, arms loaded down with tree limbs of all shapes and sizes to discard them in the woods that line our property. Nate and Finley happened to be staying with me while their daycare was closed during the 'stay at home' order (it was our practice to be busy, especially outside, having fun and passing the time away.)
As we grabbed the brush, each taking hold of as much as we could carry, Finley chose her limb as if choosing a beautiful treasure. I told them to follow me, letting them know all they needed to watch for on our little journey.
We had walked a little ways when I thought to look back and check on their progress. Nate, being the dutiful pupil, was right behind me, taking every step I took. Fin, not so much, she was headed right into my neighbor's yard, with her tree limb dragging behind her.
I stopped and told her to get back in line, (many different times) during our task at hand but she just couldn't keep focused on the project set before her (she is two; I don't hold it against her.) Finley's mind and body wanted to go in the direction she kept looking and I couldn't for the life of me see what had her so fascinated that she couldn't or wouldn't focus on me.
Each time I looked back and saw her headed in that direction it made me think of our walk with the Lord and how easily our focus can be diverted from Him onto what is capturing our attention at the time.
Daniel is such a great example of how we are to stay focused on the Lord through out our life. The story goes (as I'm sure you know it) that Daniel would not accept the decree King Darius signed that whoever was found praying to any god other than the king would be thrown into the den of lions.
Daniel's faith in God helped him to sharpen his resolve to kneel in prayer and stay focused on his Redeemer no matter the decree. He knew he would end up being thrown to the lions because he would not stop praying and trusting in God to see him through no matter what happened. Don't you know, while in that den, his focus was razor sharp, not on the lions but on the Lord?
When you fail or falter in following the Savior go to scripture and read Daniel's story and be reminded of Whom to put your focus and why.
"My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you." (Dan. 6:22)
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, You are my God and I will serve only You. When I veer off the path bring my attention back into focus. May I stay the course with my eyes focused on You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
P.S. As we made our way back to the house I looked over in the neighbor's yard and there was a large, black dog (I had never seen before) watching every move we made, but never once opened his mouth to us. Praise Jesus!