Daniel and the Lions’ Den 

The story of Daniel and the lions’ den is such a powerful story of faithfulness, bravery, persecution, perseverance, and deliverance. The trust and faith of Daniel lived out in action is an encouragement to all believers. Although Daniel was told he couldn’t pray to God without being thrown into the lions’ den, he chose to obey God rather than man. The fear that must have raced through him as he was dragged to the mouth of the lions’ den would have been very real and yet he still chose the path of faith and obedience.

It is well with my soul

I chose to pair this painting with the hymn “It is Well With my Soul.” The history of this hymn is another story of unfathomable suffering. Horatio Spafford penned this hymn after losing all that he owned to a fire and his wife and children were in a terrible accident at sea that tragically all four of his daughters did not survive. “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.” His undeniable faith and trust in God in spite of his circumstances is so moving. I couldn’t help but think of the similarity of Daniel choosing to pray to God and trust him despite such a terrifying situation as being thrown to your death, or so he would likely think.

My hope is that the story behind this painting will bind wounds, direct hearts to trust God amidst terrible tragedy, and result in worship and peace.