|
How to Prepare for Calamity & Hard Times |
By Jonathan Parker, Ph.D. You have probably heard of the story of Belteshazzar, but you just don't recognize him by that name. As the story unfolds, however, you will find that not only do you know this person and the story of his life, but you owe him a debt of gratitude for the important message he has for you. His story begins 2600 years ago in Babylon. Belteshazzar and his friends served in the royal court. He gained the favor of his guardian and became known as one who could accurately interpret dreams. Because of his ability he attained the title 'Master Of the Magician's,' and eventually became first of the three presidents of the Babylonian Empire. Because he was elevated to such a high position of both honor and duty he incurred the jealousy of his colleagues, who conspired against him. At that time the priests and seers were predicting severe economic collapse, wars, plagues, and natural catastrophes. In some ways the conditions were much as they are today in this regard. Belteshazzar often spoke about how peace and protection are never found in the outer physical world, but only come from an understanding of the God presence within. Nothing which has its source in the physical world can ever be permanent or secure. It is only when it is understood that all supply and protection comes from within -- from the Master Self within, that there is lasting peace and security. Because Belteshazzar realized his Divine Nature, the King planned to make him ruler over all the Kingdom. But, the two other presidents were driven by jealousy and persuaded the King to pass a law that no one should pray to anyone other than the King for a period of 30 days. These two individuals knew that Belteshazzar prayed every day, and they reported to the King that he had violated the new law the King had made. A punishment that King Darius had established for the violation of this law was that the guilty party should be put into a den with Lions. When the King learned what Belteshazzar had done he was very deeply saddened, for he loved Belteshazzar very much. Nevertheless, he was bound by his own law to put Belteshazzar into a den of Lions. By now you probably recognize that Belteshazzar is none other than Daniel whose story is recorded in the Bible. Belteshazzar was Daniel's Babylonian name. So the King had Daniel put into a den with Lions and stayed up all night worrying about him. Very early the next morning the King arose and went to the den of Lions and was pleasantly surprised to find that Daniel was still alive. Daniel said that an angel protected him. Because he lived his life in the truth every day he knew that outer effects had no power over his life--all of his protection was through the power of God. When faced with difficult situations it may seem natural to seek physical solutions, but at best, they are unreliable and impermanent. You have a choice to make, and that is to either live your life out of fear, or in faith--you cannot have it both ways. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all the rest will be given to you. This is not a solution of platitudes, it is the real functional answer to life's mysteries, challenges, and problems. In fact, it is the only solution. So when faced with potential problems be sure you are living in your integrity and have purified yourself of everything that keeps you separate and out of contact with your God Presence. Once you have done this then take any other physical actions that you are led to do. Psalm 91: 5
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most
High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands...
|
