SWHW Bible Reading Plan: July 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Lauren Diggs:

“As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.” Daniel 7:15 

Maybe we do not see visions of beasts with horns and multiple heads, but sometimes, when we see the news, the brokenness in our communities, or even our own homes, the chaos can certainly stir up an anxious spirit within us. So, I don’t think we could blame Daniel if he allowed it to overtake him. In fact, he was overcome by it. 

“And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.”  Daniel 8:27

Did you catch the last part? Daniel was overcome for a short time, but he knew he had a job to do. He might not have understood what was happening around him or what was going to happen in the future, but he knew he had the king’s business to attend to. He had faith in the outcome because he knew God was in control. 

Perhaps the life swirling around you seems too much to bear, and you just want to check out for a bit like Daniel. Maybe you already have. Can I just remind you of some truth from one “checker-outer” to another?

You have the King’s business to attend to. 

Listen, I know how easy it is to be overwhelmed and then to operate from that space. It’s exhausting, full of fear, and never “enough.” But we must remind ourselves of what matters most: loving God, loving others, and making disciples as we go. In doing so, we will rise and go about our King’s business. 

Being about the King’s business may not change any of the tasks of your day, but your heart bent toward Jesus and His purpose will make all the difference in how you approach them. Instead of seeing a mountain of laundry, you see the opportunity to spend some time in prayer over those very people who fill those clothes. Instead of meeting with a co-worker you’ve been dreading, you see a chance to check in with their heart and see how they’re truly doing. Instead of doing the mindless scroll every evening, you set aside one of those nights to invite some girls into your home or a coffee shop and dig into the Word together. 

Being about our King’s business doesn’t mean the cares of the world magically disappear. It doesn’t mean what we’re facing suddenly works itself out perfectly in our favor. It simply means we’ve decided to put Jesus on the throne of our lives. In doing so, we’re trusting Him to be in control of everything that comes our way. And we can walk confidently in Christ and His plan. 

Let’s be about our King Jesus’ business today and every day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that never fails to encourage us and point us back to You. Forgive us for the times we allow the cares of the world to distract us from the work You’ve called us to do. Give us what we need in those moments and help us to walk confidently in You, knowing You are faithful and in control. We love You, Lord. Amen.