Listen to Yourself

Daniel 6:11-14

¹¹ Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. ¹² So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

   The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

 ¹³ Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” ¹⁴ When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

That last sentence must have made the men out to get Daniel mad.  King Darius, who liked Daniel, had been tricked.  For thirty days anyone who prayed to anything or anyone other than King Darius would be thrown into the lions' den.  They then watched and waited for Daniel to pray, three times that day and caught him.  He agreed until he found out it was Daniel that was disobedient.  When he heard this, the king was upset and tried everything he could think of to save Daniel.  In our Sunday School class the other day, we discussed this.  It was stated by our group leader, that he did not understand that why as king, Darius just didn't repeal the law.  I think it may be because it may have made him appear weak.  

When you do something and realize it is wrong, don't you want to fix the problem as soon as possible.  He tried, but Darius had already let these men dictate to him a new law, and realized it was bad advice.  But it was too late.  God wants us to seek advice, from him, from our elders and family.  But beware.  God and your gut are the best at instinctive advice you have.  I tell my kids and husband, if you have a problem or a choice, listen to yourself.  It usually tells you exactly what you need and should do, because you know, all others want to push their agenda.  Go for the gut!