Walk and Talk with God #18

Yesterday we talked about the prophets of Israel, like Jeremiah, who walked and talked with God even while they watched their world fall apart.  Even among those who were exiled, there were faithful men and women who continued to walk and talk with God, like Daniel.  As the Babylonian Empire fell, and the possibility of return to Israel neared, this is what he did. 

3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 7 To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. 8 To us, O Lord, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him 10 and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. (Daniel 9)

Just a few quick notes about Daniel, as He walked and talked with God. First, he was a busy man, and still found time to pray. He had been raised to number two man in the empire, and still consistently walked and talked with God.  Secondly, He was open and honest with the facts: God is faithful; we have failed; we have not listened; we have not obeyed.  Finally, he was hopeful; he still believed in the mercy, faithfulness, love and forgiveness of God.  It was not just something from the past, but for the present and the future.  Do you believe that? Whether you do or do not, it's something you and the Lord can walk and talk about today.