Daniel and Those Lions

        I have above my desk a picture of Daniel in the Lion's Den.  It is the version that shows Daniel facing the lions, instead of looking out a window with his back to them.  Quite striking to me is the fact that his hands are bound behind him, and he couldn't even raise them to try to ward off any blows.  What trust in God this portrays! 

        And the lions are interesting to study:  one looks ferocious, as though he would like to eat the prophet right up; one looks subdued; another looks confused; one lion looks curious; one is cowering in the background, and one looks like he knows he's been naughty.  I'm especially struck by the lion that looks amazed at the calm Daniel is showing, like he can't believe the great man is not overcome by fear.

        There is such a lesson to me in the way Daniel handled this situation, in the absolute and sublime trust in God he obviously felt.  And looking at this picture this morning, two inspiring statements come to thought that might give you something to ponder as you go about your day.

        The first is from Psalms 119:165, "Great peace have they which love thy law:  and nothing shall offend them."

        And from the pen of Mary Baker Eddy, "Understanding the control which Love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lion's den and Paul proved the viper to be harmless."  Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 514.