Didn’t My Lord Deliver

Daniel was a particular hero for many slaves in 19th century America. Facing harsh conditions without any obvious relief, they could have looked at life with a sense of hopelessness and despair. But the story of Daniel provided an example that gave them hope.

Although he had done nothing wrong, Daniel had been thrown into a den of lions. But God miraculously protected him. His deliverance became the theme of many spirituals sung by these slaves.

One spiritual declared the joyful message, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.” While Daniel’s deliverance was the primary focus, the spiritual celebrated the way God delivered others facing great trials. He delivered Jonah from the belly of the whale, and Daniel’s friends (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) from a fiery furnace. If God could deliver these men, the spiritual asked, why could He not deliver every man?

But slaves also could look forward to God’s ultimate deliverance, when Jesus would come again. The wind would blow “like a judgement day.” The writer described seeing His foot on the Gospel ship that would sail him “over on Canaan’s shore.” And he would never come back again!

With joy and anticipation, he asked, “Can’t you see it’s coming?”

The problems we face in life can seem overwhelming. It can be easy for any of us to become discouraged. To feel hopeless. These are moments to think about Daniel and the message of that spiritual. Just as God delivered Daniel, He can deliver any of us from the trials we face.

In every situation you face, remember that God is with you. Remember that there is no problem He cannot solve. That He can show you what to do. Continue to walk by faith. To trust in Him.