And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” (Daniel 10:19 NKJV)

Chapter ten of Daniel’s prophecy begins with a word revealed to Daniel, a word that was true and of which was said “the appointed time was long.” The long appointed time referred to extended conflict and great calamity. Daniel’s response was great sorrow and fasting for three weeks. Even when a messenger of the Lord was sent to him, Daniel could only say:

“My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me.”

You don’t have to be a prophet to see things that trouble the soul and tire the mind. Conflicts of all kinds rob us of our strength, leaving us with nothing to say and ears too weary to hear.

In the midst of his despair, the Lord’s messenger said to Daniel: “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”

Child of God, you too are greatly beloved. God has given His Son for you and His Son has given you His peace. Fear not the circumstances that beset you and calamities that befall you. Be strong. Listen. And you will hear your Father’s voice.