June 5, 2025

PRAISE GOD WHILE YOU ARE WAITING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.”

Daniel 2:19-23 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Daniel was in an impossible situation. The king demanded to know not only the interpretation of his dream, but the dream itself—something no human could do. Even the Babylonian wise men admitted: “Only the gods can reveal this, and they do not live among people.”

But Daniel knew the God who does.

Daniel and his friends turned to prayer, and God answered. In the night, God revealed the secret in a vision. Daniel’s first response wasn’t to run to the king—it was to worship.

What Daniel Teaches Us:

1. God Is Still in Control, Even in Captivity

Daniel praised God as the One who “controls the course of world events”—even while he was a captive in a foreign land. He had lost his home, his family, his nation… but not his faith.

Daniel’s circumstances screamed defeat, but his spirit declared trust.

Can you do the same?

Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. Pain seems unfair. Prayers seem unanswered. But Daniel shows us: faith isn’t based on what we see—it’s based on who we know. And Daniel knew that God is sovereign.

2. Faith Praises Before the Outcome

Daniel didn’t wait for promotion, favor, or safety. As soon as God gave the answer, he paused to give God the praise. His words are a powerful declaration of God’s wisdom, power, and sovereignty—even after all Daniel had lost.

Faith doesn’t wait for the victory to sing the song.

Praise in the middle of the pain honors God more than praise on the other side of the miracle.

3. Real Faith Trusts What It Cannot See

Daniel didn’t get his home back. His nation wasn’t restored. But he still said, “You give wisdom… You reveal mysteries… You are surrounded by light.”

That’s the kind of faith God calls us to—faith that chooses trust over understanding.

When we don’t get answers, we lean on God’s character.

Reflection Question:

Can you have the faith of Daniel—to praise God while you’re still in Babylon, still in confusion, still in the waiting?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen my faith today. Teach me to trust in You when I don’t understand. Help me to believe in Your power, Your plan, and Your goodness, even in my hardest seasons. Let my praise rise even in pain, because You are worthy, and You are in control. Amen.

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