During Darius’ first year as king, I, Daniel, was reading the Scriptures. I saw that the Lord told Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be empty ruins for seventy years. Then I turned to the Lord God and prayed and asked Him for help. I did not eat any food. To show my sadness, I put on rough cloth and sat in ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and told Him about all of our sins. I said, “Lord, you are a great God who causes fear and wonder. You keep your agreement of love with all who love you and obey your commands. [Daniel 9:2-4].
[Suggest reading Daniel's Prayer 2]
Daniel was a young man when he was taken captive to Babylon from Jerusalem and Jeremiah was the prophet during his time. Daniel had a high position with several kings and God had blessed Daniel. It was a special day; God inspired Daniel to read the Scriptures from Jeremiah’s writing. Daniel realized that seventy years were just about up, and still there was nothing done about the promised return and restoration to Jerusalem. This bothered Daniel very much. Daniel expected a full fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Daniel did not sit back and wait for the promised restoration to come. Instead, Daniel began to intercede earnestly with prayer and fasting for the fulfillment of God’s word [Daniel 9:5-19].
Daniel began his intercessory prayer by recognizing the awe-inspiring greatness of God, His faithful love, and His covenant mercy shown to those who love and obey Him. Then Daniel made his confession, identifying himself with the people of Israel who had sinned and rebelled against God. He asked God for Jerusalem’s restoration not because of any righteousness on the part of Daniel or of Israel, but "for the Lord’s sake" (9:17-18). When God responded, He showed His great mercy and loving compassion as a God who fulfills His promises. [Note from Zondervan]
From the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, we saw God’s answered prayers. God had touched the king’s heart to allow God’s people to return to their city of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were three key leaders who helped rebuild the altar, the Temple, and the walls of Jerusalem.
What this mean to me? God is faithful to His Word. Daniel trusted God to keep His promises. Let us trust God who will meet our needs. His mercy is new every morning. Don’t give up. Trust God.
