I am always amazed at the fact that no matter how many times we read through scripture, there is always something new to learn each time.
At my church, we are studying through the book of Daniel. Today, I was reading through it and studying a bit deeper. I didn't get any further than Daniel 2 before tears were falling down my cheeks.
It's when Daniel starts to pray. I will share the entire prayer and then highlight the part that made me get so emotional.
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
What a powerful prayer! I am sure I am not alone when I share that lately things have been heavy. The division in our society, the fact that people are so angry, the persecution of the church...I'd love to say that it doesn't get to me but it does.
When Daniel writes...
...something about that part really spoke to me this morning. Even though things are hard at times, I find such comfort in the fact that nothing surprises God. He already knows what lies in the darkness. He has authority over all of it!
Nothing is hidden from God, not even things covered up or hidden by or to humans!
There are two reasons this brings me great comfort. The first, even though things often catch us off guard, surprise us or shock us with how wicked this world can be - it NEVER shocks God. And two, the wicked will be judged and justice will prevail.
God would surely have known it,
for he knows the secrets of every heart.
Psalm 44:21
God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
*For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. *
Mark 4:22
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Hebrews 4:13