Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." - Daniel 3: 16-18 (NLT)
These three teenage boys must have been scared in their own humanity. Daniel must have been frightened in the lions den. David must have been scared as he ran from Saul. But he spoke life into his faith when he wrote Psalm 16 and it still speaks to us today. That no matter what this world throws at us and no matter how deep the valley goes we must always cling to who we believe in, not what our circumstances might be. To remember that God has already purchased our eternal life on Calvary. That He will show us the way of life if we are willing to listen. That He will grant us the joy of His presence if we are willing to seek it. That He will give us the pleasures of living with Him forevermore.
Amen and hallelujah.
Reverend Anthony Wade - January 12, 2014