Daily Reflections on Dan. 2:20-22 (Relief in Anxious Times)

There has been a lot of unrest over the last couple months leading up to and since the general election. Democrats control both the house and senate. Barak Obama is our new president elect. The stock market continues to take a beating. Bankruptcies are pending for businesses and individuals alike. Big businesses and mortgage companies are still begging for bailouts. The big three US automakers are in real trouble. Foreclosures are at an all time high. The unemployment rate is at it highest in over 25 years.

A lot of people are feeling the heat (and it isn't coming from their furnace, heating oil is too high). Store retailers are predicting one of the worst Christmas seasons in recent history. A friend of mine recently had to close his business because revenue was down and banks aren't lending.

With all the turmoil going on in our country and even the world, many are dealing with various forms of anxiety. They are worried about the economy, their's in particular. They are distress about their 401K or health insurance or investments. They are anxious about a new president who may or may not be to their liking.

Daniel went through some major changes in his life. There was an extreme regime change in his country. It was conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel was carried off into captivity. He was ripped away from his home and family and forced to serve the new king. Instead of going to pieces and worrying himself to death, Daniel took care of himself physically and spiritually staying close to God. In Daniel 2:20-22, he says, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them." He recognized that God was in control.

Daniel didn't have a collapse. He didn't lie awake at night. He didn't get depressed or have an anxiety attack. He continued to serve God no matter how bleak the circumstances seem to be. Daniel was close to losing his life. Yet, because of his faithfulness and trust in God, he was spared his life.

God, I don't what's going to happen to our country and our economy. We are in uneasy times. I'm counting on you to see me through. I want to focus on the things Daniel focused on, taking care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually. I'm keeping my eyes on you and I'm trusting you. Allow me to point others to you during these unsettling days.