“Then he touched me and made my hands and knees shake”
(Daniel 10:10). It is an awesome thing to be in the presence of the
living God. What a reassuring thing it was, for Daniel, when he heard
this gracious word: “Daniel, you are highly respected ... Don’t be
afraid” (Daniel 10:11-12). When we are in the presence of God, we must
listen to what He has to say to us - “Pay attention to my words ....”
(Daniel 10:11). We dare not speak words until God gives us the words
that we are to say: “I bowed down ... And was silent” (Daniel 10:15).
When God gives the words, that is the time for speaking (Daniel 10:16).
God gives us words to confess our need of His grace and mercy: “pain has
overwhelmed me, and I’m helpless” (Daniel 10:16). When we look to God
for His grace and mercy, He speaks His Word of encouragement: “Be
strong! Be strong!” (Daniel 10:19). God’s Word makes us strong.
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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