Daniel's Vision of a Man

 As Daniel anguishes over the fate of his people, and the visions he has received, he is visited by an angelic figure. In this conversation, the angel reveals that, behind the earthly struggles which Daniel can see is a spiritual battle. As you read, consider what spiritual battles may be happening around you today. Allow God to open your eyes to the spiritual reality behind our physical reality – and remember, in this hidden, spiritual battle, God is victorious!

 

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REFLECTION

 

A Weary World

By Katie Borden

 

I’ve been hearing a common word surface lately in conversations where people are describing the current state of affairs and their own experience of the times we’re in:

Weary.

We are fighting a lot of battles right now: how to find ways to stave off the anxiety of this pandemic and political season, how to create some semblance of structure and healthy rhythms for our children who are learning from home—again—or how to make ends meet when our small business has been forced to shutter. Add to those battles the strain of the holidays and extra energy required to pretend that “all is well” (why do we do this to ourselves?!), and it sometimes seems as though we are barely scraping ourselves to the end of the day, only to have to do it all over again tomorrow.

Reading today’s passage from the book of Daniel gives my heart a release valve of sorts—with odd relief, I find myself resonating with Daniel (though admittedly under quite different circumstances) as he admits his anguish and weakness to this heavenly being (likely the angel Gabriel). As I look at the battles I face, my heart asks the question “How long will things be like this?”, and I’m reminded of the spiritual battles (v. 13) that are being waged, even now all around me.

What’s more, I can freely admit that the battle wages on within me. My own fear, my own pride, and my own rebellion—my sin—lead to the ever-increasing weariness I feel in my own heart. Some of it is inflicted upon me, yes, but much of it is my own doing.

Thank God that he is the victorious one, and that the battle for my heart has already been won. Just as Daniel is strengthened, so may God strengthen us for the spiritual battles we will engage in, knowing that he is the victor. May we be encouraged by that truth, and face tomorrow with the hope that only our God can give.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we ask you to open our eyes to how you are working through the spiritual battles we are engaged in today. Turn our eyes to you, and help us to trust in you—the One to whom belongs the ultimate victory. Amen.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

WEDNESDAY JUSTICE: Stir up the power of your Holy Spirit to create reconciliation and justice where we cannot. We are enmeshed in the sin and hurt and futility of a fallen world. But you, O God, have raised Jesus from the dead and poured out the Spirit of your new creation. Reconcile us to one another across the divides we alone cannot cross, in the justice and wholeness only you can create.