“When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10 HCSB)

What frame of mind must a person be in to express thankfulness? Thankfulness is an expression of gratitude. Usually, when we express gratitude it is because of receiving an unexpected act of kindness. When the acts of kindness continue, we find ourselves expressing gratitude as a way of life. The thing about expressing gratitude is that it eventually changes how we view our circumstances.

Daniel received the news that the King made a decree that required everyone to worship him. Some of the Kings leaders who hated Daniel and wanted him out of the way influenced the King to make the declaration. They knew that Daniel was faithful to God and worshipped Him only. These evil plotters counted on Daniel’s faithfulness to God, but they did not count on God to be faithful in His promises to Daniel.

How did Daniel react to this news? He went to his room and prayed as he always had done. He gave thanks to God, but what was he thankful for? I think that in that moment as his faith was being tried, he remembered how gracious God had been and would continue to be towards him. God is the Giver of peace and Daniel knew that God had given him a calm, peaceful, hopeful heart that will endure any challenge. Daniel was thankful for God’s presence and he trusted that God would deliver him.

As you reflect on those things for which you are thankful, think back to the times when someone did acts of kindness for you. Do you remember people who helped you when you needed it most? Thank God for sustaining you, and even thank Him for the bad times. God uses difficult times as a means of strengthening us for challenges that lie ahead.

Make a practice of thanking others, especially God, for expressions of gratitude extended toward you. Daniel knelt, prayed, and thanked God as he had always done. Is this something you have always done?