He Shuts the Mouths of Lions

Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. (Daniel 6:15-23)

Standing firm in your convictions and following God regardless of the consequences won’t always prevent you from the lion’s den, but it will bring you peace while you’re in it. Daniel understood the risks of living out his faith, yet he still chose to do so. When the pressure was strongest, we didn’t see Daniel panic. Instead, we see him praying. Prayer shouldn’t be your last resort after consulting friends and coworkers, researching online, and reviewing your past experiences. Prayer should be the first step we take in a crisis. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, but instead of eating Daniel, the hungry lions stayed away, held down and mouths shut by angels sent to protect him.

Practical Application

God still sends angels and closes the mouths of lions and liars. When you are nervous or afraid, only speak God’s promises and God’s Word. He is faithful.

1 Chronicles 5:20; 2 Chronicles 20:20