Do you ever read Scripture and find yourself wondering, “Is the Bible relevant today?” We definitely feel that disconnect. So we’ve set out to make Scripture meditations that give us a framework for how to start reading the Bible. Join us as we let the Bible be the Bible, and learn to engage with it meaningfully.
God in the Chaos
Written by Kaylie Johnston, Prairie College
Often, we attempt to hide our problems from those closest to us… including God.
Exiled from Israel, Daniel lived and worked in the Babylonian king’s palace as a captive. Smart and good-looking, he had a special gift, the ability to translate dreams. Most people couldn’t actually do it, and only claimed to. It was fine if you weren’t caught but if the king found you mistranslating a dream… you’d die.
But Daniel was given this gift by God. When the king was told, he called on Daniel to translate. Despite Daniel’s true ability, he was terrified! What if…?!
The feeling of being alone in our fears and struggles can be crippling. God equips us for everything He asks, but often, we hesitate.
The desire to handle problems on our own can creep in. But we’re not alone! God’s on our side and gives us a community of friends and believers who can pray for and with us. The support of Daniel’s friends was exactly what he needed in his stressful situation.
Daniel 2:18-20
“18 [Daniel] urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: ‘Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.’”
Observations from the Text
- We should seek support and community (v. 18)
- God can provide when we ask (v. 19)
- Wisdom and power belong to God (v. 20)
- God is to be praised (v. 20)
Prayers of Response
Merciful Lord, you know what I hold back and refuse to reveal, yet you’re still for me in every circumstance.
God, help me to seek you as I ________. I’m helpless without you.
Prayer Requests
Lord of heaven and earth, meet me in ________. May I feel your presence in this trial and seek your guidance every moment.
Giver of good gifts, I ask for friends and mentors I can turn to in my times of need.
Prayers of Readiness
Wise Provider, when the struggles and chaos of the world come my way, I ask for your guidance and provision.
Help me to find peace with ___________ and praise your name in the end.
Reading the Bible through Scripture meditations can be an easy way of connecting with God each day. For more Scripture meditations, visit this page!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
