Contemplative Bible Reading

Daniel 10:1-3 (New Living Translation)

1 In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) had another vision. He understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future—times of war and great hardship.

2 When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. 3 All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.

Daniel had another vision from God. Daniel didn’t understand the vision, so he mourned. A later verse in this chapter tells us that Daniel had also prayed for these three weeks of mourning. Let’s take that one in:

Daniel prayed constantly for three weeks.

His prayer was steadfast to the point that he at no “rich food.” In today’s terms, I believe Daniel nibbled on this and that instead of sitting at the dinner table for a real meal. The part about the “rich lotions” means to me that he didn’t shower.

Three weeks folks, three weeks where nothing meant anything to Daniel but agonizing over what God had to say to him. Sometimes I grumble when something bothers me for…well, you know, a period of time that is insignificant.

God thank you for showing me the example of Daniel and others. Thank you for showing me how easy a life I have and how you have blessed me beyond comprehension. Thank you for your grace. Help me in my unbelief.