TROUBLING COGITATIONS

"Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart" (Daniel 7:28)

Daniel was a man "greatly beloved" of God (Dan 9:23). For this reason, the Lord unveiled to him things unknown by the masses of people–even among other choice individuals among the Jews. As Daniel gave himself to pondering what God had revealed to him, it had a significant impact upon him. Even his countenance, or appearance, changed. Daniel confessed his "cogitations" troubled him. What did he mean?

"Cogitations" are thoughts–deep thoughts, or meditations. Such thoughts are not on the surface, but are deep and profound. They involve the mind "searching" and probing the revelation of God. This is spiritual exploration, where a more thorough understanding is sought with zeal and fervor. It is what the prophets did when they spoke of the coming Christ and His redemption (1 Pet 1:11).

Daniel's cogitations were troubling to him. The Lord had revealed things to him that were disquieting. He spoke of a time when a foe would wage war against the saints, even overcoming them (7:25). The same foe would make an effort to even "change times and law" for the worse. Even though the saints would ultimately overcome, and the kingdom would be given to them (7:27), the thought of their oppression troubled Daniel. The notion of a despot having power against the people of God is troubling indeed–even if only temporary and under Divine control.

Like Mary, Daniel kept these things in his heart. He did not dismiss them, as though they had no relevance. Nor, indeed, did he speak openly about them. For the time, it was all he could do to contemplate them, brooding upon them as a hen does upon an egg about to hatch.

Daniel was not the first to have troubling cogitations, or disruptive meditations. John the beloved had the same experience when the book he was told to eat became "bitter" in his belly–troubling him, as it was (Rev 10:9-10). Faith, however, makes the child of God equal to such agitating thoughts. It confirms the things of God, even though when revealed to us, they remain exceedingly high. His purposes are lofty, and are not always easy to perceive. But when we hide them in our hearts, refusing to dismiss them because of their troubling effect, we will reap a good harvest. Such thoughts trouble us because they are not yet clear to us. Too, often their implications are momentarily distressing, as with Daniel. But that will not always be the case. Even though our minds are not equal to the challenges of such thoughts, our hearts are. Keep them there, and hope in God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise You through Jesus for giving us things to ponder that extend beyond the perimeter of human knowledge.

-- Monday: THE GLORIOUS RESULT-- COMPREHENSION --