"Doing His God Thing"

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10

I feel really drawn to Daniel these days. This one verse contains so much information about what kind of man he was. First, it tells us that when Daniel knew that when the writing was signed he purposely went home and did his normal God thing for the day. He knew he would be caught going against the new ruling. He didn't go pray in a corner, he went straight to the window, so that anyone with eyes to see could know that he chose his God first and foremost.

Second it says that he prayed and gave thanks everyday as was his custom. Gave thanks for what? He had been in captivity for a long time. At this point I wonder would I have given up, gotten bitter towards God and blamed Him. Or would I be like Daniel who was still praying, and giving thanks for the favor that God was continually providing even though he was being held captive in a heathen nation. Daniel was a walking, talking, breathing testimony of God's glory to a whole nation. Despite his circumstances he continued to pry and give thanks!

Third it says that it was his custom from early days. That means he made it a habit. Since his early days he prayed, gave thanks and served his God. Since eary days implies a time span here. For years it was his habit to take time to pray at his window three times a day. He had a habit of spending time with God. He had a habit of talking with Him. He had a habit of giving thanks. It was his custom since early days and the secret to his success! It was his custom from early days to do his God thing!