Three full weeks
Today's focusDaniel mourns for three weeks, eating no pleasant food, meat or wine; then a messenger tells him his words were heard from the first day he humbled himself before God.
Read
2In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; 5Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. 10And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Reflection
When you set your heart to seek God, it can sometimes feel as though your prayers are trailing off into silence. Daniel spent "three full weeks" in mourning, choosing to eat "no pleasant bread" or meat as he humbled himself. For twenty-one days, he persisted in this fast without any outward sign that his sacrifice mattered. You may find yourself in a similar season of waiting, wondering if your quiet acts of devotion and your petitions are reaching heaven while you wait for an answer.
The messenger’s words to Daniel offer you profound encouragement: "from the first day" that you humbled yourself and set your heart to understand, your words were heard. Even when Daniel felt there "remained no strength" in him and fell on his face toward the ground, God’s messenger was already on the way. God does not wait for you to finish your fast before He begins to listen. He sees your heart the moment you "chasten thyself" before Him. You are "greatly beloved," and your persistence in prayer is never in vain.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
How does it encourage you that Daniel's prayer was heard from the first day, even before he saw any answer?
Pray
Lord, thank you that you hear from the first day I humble myself before you. When answers seem slow, keep me from fear. Help me to keep seeking you with understanding.