A healthy heart manifests itself in a robust life. One will be able to accomplish daily tasks with relative ease. And when difficult and stressful circumstances come, one may find the energy to face the challenges with determination and grace.
Daniel worshipped the Lord with a willful and a grateful heart. We learn that “three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” (Daniel 6.10 NIV). The last phrase “just as he had done before” underscores the truth that his actions were normal occurrences of his day. He had an ongoing rhythm in his spiritual life of consistently spending time with the Lord at specific periods throughout his day. One may say that this was one of the spiritual disciplines that he practiced as part of his personal “Rule of Life” that he had adopted. He had a heart that was healthy toward God and it was manifested in his conduct.
What makes his action exemplary is that he wasn’t deterred by the attempts to keep him from worshipping the Lord, or fulfilling his Rule of Life. It was something he chose to do and wanted to do. So, even when he learned about king Darius’ decree that no other god or human being may be worshipped in the nation except the king himself, Daniel just continued what he had always done. He worshipped the Lord (Daniel 6.6-10).
Sadly, for many of us, it doesn’t take much for us to “forget” our times with the Lord. We are too tired, or too busy, or too distracted by other things that may seem more interesting. Perhaps we do not even have any plan to have that consistent time alone with the Lord, worshipping him and learning from him through the reading of scripture. Our hearts are focused elsewhere. And maybe that’s why we lack adequate wisdom and strength to respond in a Christlike manner to the challenges that life throws at us.
The kind of commitment that Daniel showed is not something that can be imposed on anyone. After God saved Daniel from sure death in the lion’s den, king Darius made a new decree “that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel” (Daniel 6.26 NIV). While the king’s intentions may have been noble, genuine devotion to the Lord can never be enforced through external pressure. It is a matter of the heart. As Paul describes it: “you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance” (Romans 6.17 NIV). Jesus reminds us: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12.34 NIV). And the prophet prays, “You, O LORD, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you” (Jeremiah 12.3 ESV).
Perhaps it’s time for a heart checkup.
—Keith Y. Jainga