Daniel 6:3 – “Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him…”  NKJV

Daniel and his prophecies are incredibly important to the Kingdom of God and us today.  I believe that we are living in what the Bible calls “The Last Days” and “Perilous Times.” 

At the beginning of his sojourn in Babylon, Daniel determined to separate himself from the pagan customs and be fully dedicated and obedient to God.  In so doing, God gave him and the other three, known as the “Three Hebrew Children,” identified by the Babylonian names, whereas Daniel is referred to in Scripture by his Hebrew name. 

Then, we come to this chapter in the account. Darius, the King, was so impressed with Daniel that he considered putting him over the entire realm because an Excellent Spirit was in Daniel.  The presence of the Spirit and Hand of God produced jealousy in the governors and satraps, and they sought to find something to bring Daniel down.  However, they knew they would find nothing in his character or conduct that would fulfill that purpose, so they set out to trick the king and use Daniel’s faith and commitment to God to bring accusations against him.

You must remember that we are warned in Scripture that the devil is cunning and crafty.  Too often, we dismiss him or diminish his ability to deceive, connive, and seduce people and manipulate them into the actions and activities that he desires in opposition to God and the purposes of God. 

Daniel did not change his commitment to God and continued, even after a decree was issued that no prayer could be offered to anyone except Darius.  That was used to bring him to the judgment of the “Lion’s Den,” even though the king did not want to render the judgment.  God once again demonstrated His incredible faithfulness and power in closing the mouth of the lions and keeping Daniel safe. 

God never fails, and if we have an “excellent spirit” in us and follow wholly the Lord and His commandments, we will find that faithful God in our corner when times of difficulty come.  He may be in our corner as He was with Stephen in the New Testament when Paul was witness to his being stoned to death for his faith and testimony of Christ.   Yet, even in his death, Stephen testified that he could see the angels of the Lord and knew that God was with him.

God will never fail us, and if we allow the “excellent spirit” of the Lord to manifest himself in our hearts, we will find that God gives us divine favor with those who are instrumental and key in advancing the kingdom.  We will discover that those who oppose and conspire against us will be brought to destruction.  So, whatever you do as you go through the rest of your days on this planet, seek the Lord that He put within you an “Excellent Spirit.”

May God be with you as you go through your day!