Sometimes you can go day by day, reading devotionals or following a plan to read through the Bible in order.  Some occasions are rich and delightful.  Other times seem rushed and full of distractions, therefore dry and empty and silent.
I am trying to get through the Old Testament and find myself in Daniel right now.
The first few chapters are amazing accounts of God meeting with Daniel and his three friends. In training, they were offered the best foods and opportunities for development and learning.  But because of their Hebrew faith and lifestyle, Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego refused to eat anything but vegetables and fruit.  God honoured their obedience to His ways and they were in better health and fitness than the other young men in training.
Daniel and his friends were on constant trial in this land of their exile. Being commanded to bow to a statue of the king and also being challenged when praying to the Lord God,  they faced a fiery furnace and lions' den.  And God spared them.
God elevated these men to positions of authority in the government.  Their influence, and especially Daniel's favour in the eyes of the kings in power, gave them opportunities to show forth God's power and might and absolute sovereignty. In a foreign land.
Then I find myself reading the strange dreams that Daniel was called to interpret.  And the visions and dreams he himself received from the Lord.  Two things struck me in these passages.
1.  Daniel never brought attention to himself but always gave God the glory for the gift he had to reveal and interpret these dreams.
2.  Daniel was often emotionally and physically affected by the meanings and implications of the revelations from God.
This morning in our worship service, Bob asked us the question: How have you interacted with God this week?    I didn't share.  Others were speaking up and it was wonderful to even have a 12 year old boy share very eloquently today.  Besides that, I had some thoughts but couldn't quite formulate the words to communicate what I was mulling over in my reading of Daniel.
Now, Sunday afternoon, I have a little time to share my impressions.
All week I have sought to have quiet times with God.  It was a very busy week, from chapel times at 8:30 am and then various office tasks and a couple errands to run in Prince Albert.  We took people out for supper and I also helped assemble CD's of a Gospel music artist in the cases for shipping.  I would have good intentions of taking time after chapel or after lunch to have an extended time with the Lord...and by bedtime I just didn't have the energy or attention span to seek the Lord or focus on intercessory prayer.
Finally, at home on Saturday morning, I took my coffee and Bible and journal, still wearing my housecoat, and sat in my wonderful backyard.  Last summer that was my regular refuge and I was reminded of how faithful and steadfast the Lord has been over the past year as our family faced cancer, and we have accepted a new ministry leadership position.  Its been quite a ride!
I opened to the bookmark in Daniel and it was the prayer Daniel prayed.  He realized that now 70 years had passed and according to the prophet Jeremiah's writings, the restoration of God's people was now about to happen!  He prepared to meet the Lord by fasting, with the complete practice of wearing sackcloth and spreading ashes upon himself.  His inward and outward display of humility and brokenness before the Lord really impacted me.
Daniel took ownership of his sins.  He confessed the sins of his fellow Hebrews.  There were no excuses or justifications for the situation the Israelites found themselves in and Daniel acknowledged God's righteousness in judging the way He did.
Daniel also called upon the character of God, His mercy and compassion and justice.  He knew that there was no way he and the exiles in Persia would ever deserve God's favour and love but He believed God's promises.  If Jeremiah spoke of 70 years and then a journey home, then it must be true.
I was in tears as I soaked in this prayer.  I get frustrated if one week is difficult and challenging and I don't feel all that connected to the Lord.  Daniel would be a man in his 80's by this time and would have experienced all that had been prophesied.  He had a lifetime of trial and longing for home.  God had done incredible things on his behalf and had used him to influence several kings of different nations.  And here I was, on a beautiful summer morning, feeling that closeness with God and realizing my need to bow before the great God I serve.  I was overwhelmed with His wonders and His grace.
Lord, teach me to pray.  Teach me to wait.  Teach me to listen.  Teach me to praise.