The book of Daniel relates a special vision Daniel had. In this vision he saw a man and heard a voice: “Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, ‘O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!’” (cf. Daniel 10: 18–19).

I am quite certain we have also made similar experiences. First our heavenly Father touches our hearts, which causes us to open ourselves up for that which He offers us. Once we are touched and feel God’s love and perceive that He is near us we feel strengthened. He strengthens us! This passage goes on to say: “O man, greatly beloved, fear not!” We never need to be anxious because we are in the hand of our heavenly Father. And on top of that: we are loved by God! At times when we are burdened and have to live through things that do not fit into our plans we forget that we are loved by our heavenly Father.

“Peace be to you!” This is something extremely valuable because we live in a restless world, a world full of conflict and all sorts of different opinions. That is why it is so important that we remain in the hand of our heavenly Father and maintain our peace.

Associated with this peace is the wish that we may be strong in faith. This is to be our portion in future: let us have a strong faith and a firm hope in the day of the Lord. Let us not wait for Him as though His coming were a hundred years away, but as though His return were today or tomorrow! In so doing, let us be active in the congregation. Let us support the work of the ministers – and thereby the work of our heavenly Father. It is my wish that we be strengthened in every divine service and through every family visit. May we be able to preserve this strength right up until the day of the Lord – for then we will be forever with the Lord!

Let us never forget, however, that it all starts when we allow ourselves to be touched by the word of our heavenly Father and by the experience of His presence. Then we will be strengthened, and will know that we are loved! This creates peace and reinforces our faith and hope, and these virtues will lead to the goal!      

(From a divine service by the Chief Apostle)