Daniel 6:10—“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Daniel knew exactly what the king’s decree meant. For thirty days, anyone who prayed to a god or man other than Darius would be cast into the den of lions (Daniel 6:7). Yet when Daniel learned that the decree had been signed, he went home, knelt toward Jerusalem, “and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (v. 10).

Daniel did not give thanks because the danger was small. His enemies had issued the decree to destroy him. Nor did thanksgiving replace his petitions: he both prayed and gave thanks. Facing the lions’ den, he continued to acknowledge the goodness of the God to whom he had long entrusted his life.

The words “as he did aforetime” are significant. This was no sudden attempt to appear courageous. Prayer and thanksgiving were Daniel’s established practice. The decree altered his circumstances, but it did not change his trust in the LORD. Kneeling towards Jerusalem also recalled God’s covenant promises to His people, even though Daniel lived far from their homeland (cf. 1 Kings 8:46–49).

Believers may find it difficult to give thanks when the outcome of a trial is unknown. Thanksgiving does not require us to call danger good or to pretend we are unafraid. It means remembering God’s faithfulness as we ask for His help. Apostle Paul likewise exhorts believers, “in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Daniel did not know, as he knelt, that he would leave the lions’ den alive. He gave thanks because God was worthy of it before deliverance came.