Daniel 10 is a shorter chapter than the previous few, and it also has a lot less explanation with it.  In this chapter, Daniel sees a vision for which he again sees a messenger, and angel, to help with the interpretation.  But, right as it draws to a close, we get a glimpse into what I believe is the real purpose of this chapter, we read these words:

18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.”

The part of this I keyed in on is right there at the beginning, in verse 19, where Daniel is simply encouraged, and then that is tied to verse 21, when he is reminded that there is a bigger plan and purpose that is transpiring.  It reminds me in the same way this morning.  It is a reminder that even though I don’t see Him and even when I don’t necessarily ‘feel’ Him, God IS there.  We have been taught in the preceding chapters that God will show up when we pray from a place of humility, and when we have a pure heart, in the right context.  But, what happens if we don’t FEEL God’s presence?  Well, we can be reminded through these words, in more of a ‘reasoned’ way, that God is with us, because if we look back at God’s word, we can see evidence that He has always been there.  I mean, really, how can we honestly look at the scriptures and not come away with the impression that God is in control, that God is working a plan, and that He is with us?  We really can’t.

So, today, I am reminded that if the emotional side of my spiritual life feels a little empty, if I am just not feeling it that day, and if I am not feeling connected with God, then it is okay and even encouraged to reflect on God’s presence through reason...sometimes maybe I just open the Bible to the table of contents and flip through it, reminding myself of the evidence that God has given me to know that He is who He says He is...sometimes it is just good to meet my emotional need with a logical solution, and in that way I can ‘be strong and of good courage’ the angel charged Daniel.