We live in an era of very low self esteem. Many people struggle with the true worth that God has set forth for them. We are self judging and critical and don't really see how God views us.
As God spoke these words over Daniel, I believe that God is also speaking them over many of us today - "You are precious to God."
God reward Daniel's faithfulness with one of the greatest blessings possible - a blessing from God Himself that Daniel was precious and special to God.
John Trent and Gary Smalley wrote a book that radically changed my life called "The Blessing."
The thesis of this book is that many people did not receive "The Blessing" from their earthly father's, and as a result, they spend their whole life looking for it, often in the wrong places.
We've have drifted away from understanding the importance of "The Blessing" in people's lives.
In ancient Hebrew culture the father would place his hands upon his children before they left for school each day. He would then place upon them "The Blessing."
For many today, "The Blessing" is missing in your life. You looked for it and sought after it only to be ignored and turned away.
But here's an important piece of information for all of us - Even if you didn't receive the blessing of your earthly father, you can and have received the blessing of your spiritual father!
Many in Daniel’s day were looking for prestige in man’s eyes, but not Daniel. Daniel focused his attention on God. He served God in total obedience to His Word.
He didn't look to man to find favor and blessing, he looked to God.
I was blessed as a child growing up to have "The Blessing" placed upon me daily from my parents and my grandparents. I was often told that God had a plan for my life and that God wanted to bless me with to touch the world for God.
On the other hand, I've talked to many people who never received any encouragement or blessing from their families. In fact, many have told me that they were always put down and always told that they were worth nothing and that they were no good.
That is so sad.
When I read these words to Daniel today - "You are precious to God" - they went deep into my spirit this morning. "I am God's kid. I am special. God has a great plan for my life."
Perhaps you have been down on yourself and perhaps you have been put down by others over and over again. Perhaps your self-esteem is very low and you don't feel very worthwhile today.
If that is the case, ponder these words over and over - "You are precious to God." May God lift you up and minister to your soul and you come to understand how much God really love you.
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