Mouthy Lions

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15, NIV

I AM UNLOADING steamy-clean forks, shiny silver spoons, freshly washed bowls. One by one. Each one has its place in my kitchen. Staying right where I place it. These inanimate objects are satisfying; I can control them. Obedient little cutlery.

And with each item I put away, each child of mine is doing the exact opposite. The four-year-old, a blond blur, comes tearing through the living room, racing past me, yelling something about monsters and battles and how he will prevail. My middle girl screams, chasing him and demanding her doll back. My oldest continues to ask what’s for dinner as if childhood dementia has set in. They are loud, unruly, full of personality and choices and wills.

Sometimes I just want peace in the chaos.

My mind goes right to the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. Talk about the least peaceful place on earth. He was punished by the king for praying to God and was thrown into a pit for the night with roaring, fierce lions. How did Daniel keep his cool in this crazy situation? How did he allow peace to pass all understanding in that moment? How did he survive?

After a long night, the king—who was full of regret—went straight to the lions’ den, hoping Daniel had survived. When the king called for him,

Daniel answered, “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.”. . . The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Daniel 6:21-23, NIV

How did peace prevail in the pit? An angel of the Lord closed the mouths of the lions because of Daniel’s trust in God. This story gives me so much courage. The mouths of lions were shut. Peace reigned. And trust was key.

Grace so often looks like trusting God in our lions’ den. What worry is prowling around you today? What turmoil is lurking in the shadows? What faith do you need to help you trust that God is with you? What hope can you draw from Daniel’s story?

My children certainly are not lions; they are amazing creatures full of life and joy and play. But I often feel like an umpire in my own home, calling the shots and breaking up disputes—leaving us all agitated and weary. Turns out I need an umpire for my own heart.

Peace can umpire our hearts, can call the shots. But we must turn to God in these moments, allowing Him to take control of our chaos. Trusting God and lasting peace are so connected. Breathing in truth and exhaling chaos is so connected to who God is. He is the Prince of Peace, who longs to bring His children peace through Him. We can trust Him to quiet our inner prowling chaos and to shut the mouthy lions roaming in our souls.”

GRACE REFLECTION: Picture Daniel tumbling down into a pit, landing face-to-face with several lions. Feel their breath, see their eyes, look at their mouths open wide. Then watch an angel step in front of him and close each mouth. Use this visual throughout your day to remember your God is near, present, and full of peace.