King Nebuchadnezzar had built a large statue. It was ninety feet tall and nine feet wide, and it was made of pure gold. The king then made the following decree: "As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace" (Daniel 3:5,6).

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego served God. They were not going to bow down to this image the king had created. When the king learned of their defiance, he was furious. As they stood before the king, he commanded, "When you hear the music, bow down!"

It was the king's decree. It was law. If they disobeyed, they were surely going to die. Listen carefully to their response:

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17).

Did you hear the faith of these young men? Minutes before their obvious execution, they declared, "the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand." They did not bow down to the king's demand. They did not give into fear. No matter what the consequences--even death--they were going to trust God.

Many times when a panic attack strikes, we simply bow down to the fear and allow it to control our lives. We give in to the thoughts and lies that have plagued us for years. The ruler of this world plays the music of fear in our minds. When we hear it, we immediately bow down.

Today, I encourage you to trust God no matter what the consequences. Call upon him. Ask him to strengthen you. Pray for courage to stand against those fearful thoughts. Declare that you will trust God no matter what happens.

As God protected those three boys from the fire, so he will protect you. When you trust God with all your heart no matter what happens, his peace will flood your soul.

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
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© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission