This past Sunday, we covered Daniel chapter 10. And I have to say, I think this has been my favorite chapter so far. I could so identify with Daniel here…from his mourning, to his feeling of being utterly overwhelmed and weary, then collapsing and just being face down before God.
I think many of us have felt this way, especially in seasons of heightened spiritual warfare. Like the unseen battle Pastor Jason referenced…we can feel and experience and know there is darkness around us…even if we can’t fully see it.
There are times when I feel that darkness walking into a conversation with an unbeliever. There is a veil, and a heavy weight of oppression that occurs even as you look into their eyes.
There have been other times I step into an area, or a town or a building and feel the darkness.
Or, it’s simply looking at an industry that holds worldly standards very high, and God’s standards very low.
I see the darkness in the news, the crimes committed, and the fear that seems to rule human hearts.
Let’s face it friend, there is a lot of darkness all around. And sometimes, it can feel all-consuming and overwhelming.
I found this passage of scripture to be so telling of what we need in the midst of this deep, spiritual darkness. Daniel’s story showed us, very tangibly, what we need to hear and feel from God to go back into the battle and fight well…we need His love.
As the angelic being spoke to Daniel in his vision, we see the mighty touch of God’s love physically and spiritually:
“And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, ’O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.’
And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, ’Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.’”
(Daniel 10:10-12, ESV)
Daniel was called by name, and told he was “greatly loved.”
Isn’t that what we all need to hear in the midst of our own battles? Isn’t it His love that transforms us, and casts out our fear?
As you face your own unseen battle this week, and as the enemy aims at you with his flaming arrows, pray at all times in the Spirit. Lift up your brothers and sisters who are also fighting the same unseen battle. And always, at the end of it all, remember just how loved you are.
I think many of us have felt this way, especially in seasons of heightened spiritual warfare. Like the unseen battle Pastor Jason referenced…we can feel and experience and know there is darkness around us…even if we can’t fully see it.
There are times when I feel that darkness walking into a conversation with an unbeliever. There is a veil, and a heavy weight of oppression that occurs even as you look into their eyes.
There have been other times I step into an area, or a town or a building and feel the darkness.
Or, it’s simply looking at an industry that holds worldly standards very high, and God’s standards very low.
I see the darkness in the news, the crimes committed, and the fear that seems to rule human hearts.
Let’s face it friend, there is a lot of darkness all around. And sometimes, it can feel all-consuming and overwhelming.
I found this passage of scripture to be so telling of what we need in the midst of this deep, spiritual darkness. Daniel’s story showed us, very tangibly, what we need to hear and feel from God to go back into the battle and fight well…we need His love.
As the angelic being spoke to Daniel in his vision, we see the mighty touch of God’s love physically and spiritually:
“And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, ’O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.’
And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, ’Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.’”
(Daniel 10:10-12, ESV)
Daniel was called by name, and told he was “greatly loved.”
Isn’t that what we all need to hear in the midst of our own battles? Isn’t it His love that transforms us, and casts out our fear?
As you face your own unseen battle this week, and as the enemy aims at you with his flaming arrows, pray at all times in the Spirit. Lift up your brothers and sisters who are also fighting the same unseen battle. And always, at the end of it all, remember just how loved you are.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.