What steps can we take to "turn from our iniquities" as Daniel did? Context of Daniel 9:13 “Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquities and giving attention to Your truth.” (Daniel 9:13) Daniel read Jeremiah’s prophecies, recognized why Judah suffered exile, and interceded for the nation. His prayer shows a clear pathway for turning from iniquity. Step 1: Face Sin Without Excuse • Daniel openly acknowledged, “We have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly” (Daniel 9:5–6). • Proverbs 28:13 affirms that confession and renunciation open the door to mercy. Step 2: Seek God Earnestly • Daniel “turned [his] attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:3). • James 4:8 urges drawing near to God with cleansed hands and purified hearts. Step 3: Embrace Humility and Brokenness • Sackcloth, ashes, and fasting pictured inner contrition (Psalm 51:17). • 2 Chronicles 7:14 links humility with national and personal healing. Step 4: Rely on God’s Covenant Character • Daniel appealed to the LORD who “keeps His covenant of loving devotion” (Daniel 9:4). • Confidence rests not in personal worthiness but in divine faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). Step 5: Align With Scripture’s Truth • Israel’s calamity matched “what is written in the Law of Moses” (Daniel 9:11–13). • Regular exposure to Scripture reveals sin and corrects the heart (2 Timothy 3:16). Step 6: Plead for Mercy, Not Merit • “We do not present our pleas before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your great mercy” (Daniel 9:18). • 1 John 1:9 underscores God’s faithfulness and justice in forgiving repentant believers. Step 7: Commit to Obedient Change • Daniel asked God to act “for Your name’s sake” (Daniel 9:19), implying renewed obedience that honors Him. • Acts 3:19 links repentance with “times of refreshing” that follow transformed conduct. Step 8: Expect God’s Response • Gabriel arrived “while [Daniel] was still praying” (Daniel 9:21), showing God’s eagerness to restore. • Psalm 32:5 reassures that confessed sin receives immediate pardon. Practical Checklist for Today – Acknowledge specific sins without softening or blaming. – Schedule unhurried, focused prayer; consider fasting to underscore seriousness. – Read passages that expose and guide (e.g., Exodus 20; Matthew 5–7). – Declare trust in Christ’s finished work rather than personal efforts. – Replace known sinful habits with obedient actions fueled by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). – Maintain expectancy that God forgives, cleanses, and empowers new living. Daniel’s pattern remains timeless: honest confession, humble pursuit, Scripture-shaped alignment, mercy-centered pleading, and obedient follow-through lead believers to truly turn from iniquity. |
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