““This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.””

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7:28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

After reading about Daniel and his visions, it’s easy to see that he was a leader among many in his day. Kings sought him out to interpret dreams and provide counsel. And, it’s fascinating to me that G-d sought him too. In today’s reading, we see two instances where G-d gives Daniel a vision and even sends the Angel Gabriel to interpret it for him. One could ascertain that Daniel was a friend of G-d – after all, G-d shared secrets with Daniel. 

After the first vision and interpretation, Daniel was troubled. The scriptures say that his countenance changed but he “nᵊṭar millâ lēḇ”. He kept the matter in his heart. 

The Hebrew phrase above is used once in the Old Testament- here in Daniel – and references one New Testament passage with the same meaning: 

“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The comparison of Daniel’s response to Mary’s was revelatory to me today. I’ve always imagined Mary was just filled with awe and wonder – but could it have been more than that? Both Daniel and Mary pondered the revelation of G-d – and I imagine, in the pondering, there was a sense of awe and wonder warring with a fear as they wrestled to make sense of G-d’s will and His way. 

Walking with the Lord is glorious – but it is weighty. Following Him is not for the faint of heart – and sometimes, His way leaves us like Daniel, with a countenance that is changed. After all, Isaiah says that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). 

So what do we do? We follow the example Mary and Daniel left for us – we hold it in our hearts; we sit in silence and ponder. Sometimes what He speaks and does in and through me is just for me. There is wisdom in the silence and beauty in the waiting. It’s been my experience that intimacy with G-d is birthed in the place of pondering. Today, I’ll sit a little longer and let the peace wash over me. 

Father – thank You for Your Word and for opening my eyes to new things today. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Daniel 7-9

September 16, 2022