King Nebuchadnezzar built a large statue. It was ninety feet tall, nine feet wide and made of purest 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 would not bow to any image the king had created. The king was furious and demanded that these young boys come before him. As they stood before the king, he told them directly, “When you hear the music, bow down!”
It was the king’s decree. It was the 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, 18).
Did you hear the faith of these young men? Minutes before their obvious execution, they declare, “…the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand.” They did not bow to the king’s demand. They did not give in to fear. No matter what the consequences, they were going to trust God, even if it meant death.
Many times when fear strikes, we give in to the thoughts and lies that have plagued us for years. The prince of this world plays the music of fear in our minds. When we hear it, we simply bow down to the fear and allow it to control our lives.
I encourage you to declare that you will trust God no matter what the consequences. 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 could happen, his peace will flood your soul.
Prayer: Father, I call upon you in my weakness and ask you to give me strength and courage–strength to stand against the music of fear, courage not to bow down to the enemy. I declare that I will trust you no matter what the consequences.
