Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days (Daniel 6:10 NKJV).
My husband gets up early every morning, and the first thing he does is go outside to pray. He loves spending the still, quiet of the predawn hour in conversation with his Creator. This is his custom.
Daniel had a custom, and not even the King’s law could keep him from it. Every day he went to his room, opened his windows facing Jerusalem, got down on his knees and prayed. So predictable was his behavior, even his enemies knew how to use it against him. Or so they thought.
He’s not the only one in Scripture who behaved so consistently that everyone, both friend and foe, could say of him “as was his custom.”
Paul had his “as was his custom” when it came to sharing the gospel and teaching (see Acts 12:17).
And Jesus definitely had his “as was his custom.”
He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom, he taught them again (Mark 10:1 CSB).
It makes me wonder what customs I might be known for.
Someone cut her off in the parking lot, and she went into a rant … as was her custom.
She hears a rumor, and she hurried to tell others … as was her custom.
She had a rough day, and she pulled out the tub of ice cream (or bottle of wine) … as was her custom.
What things do we do so routinely, so consistently, and with such faithfulness that everyone around us would say of us “as was her/his custom?”
Unfortunately for some of us, our most faithful habits or responses are not the ones that glorify God. Too often we’re most known for things we’d rather not admit to.
It’s never too late to change that. Let’s take time to consider the behaviors that define us, that reveal our heart and bear witness of our faith to others. What “as was his/her custom” do you and I want to be known for? What needs to change to make that happen?
Meet Lori…
Her first novel, A Firm Place to Stand, released in January 2020. In between writing, Lori enjoys traveling with her husband and visiting her adult children where she can rummage through their refrigerators and food pantries while complaining there’s nothing good to eat here.
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Thanks for joining the conversation Kelly! Blessings in an abundance of “as was her custom” that I know you are faithful to in serving God.
Well, this one hit home and has given me much to think about. Thank you for sharing this thought with us.
Same! If anyone thinks I sit down and write these things up the way I originally imagine, then you don’t know how much work God still has to do on this hot mess. He got me good with this one. Thanks for joining the conversation and many blessings to you!
Thanks Lori, You certainly touched a nerve for me.
Certainly thoughts for me to work on some of the areas of my life that I am known for being ‘as was/is my custom.’
Meditating on that passage from Daniel opened my eyes to a great many “as was her customs” that needed to change. Sorry/not sorry for touching the nerve, and blessings as you work through whatever areas you want to see change within. Thanks for sharing your thoughts withus.
Wow!!! That one hit home! Thank you!
Well… being cool with technology is clearly not my jam. I replied to all instead of replying to your comment directly. The comment that looks like a random one is actually my reply to you. Sorry. But thank you so much for commenting.