In Spanish we say, “no tiene pelos en la lengua” which has the rather odd literal translation of, “he has no hair on his tongue”! It refers to a person who says things like they are, more or less the equivalent of “not mincing one’s words”.
At any rate, that would seem to describe an elderly Daniel fairly well, especially as he talks to the wicked king Belshazzar. A paraphrase would be, “You have used God’s temple utensils for a blasphemous party, knowing very well what He did to your proud grandfather many years ago. Now, He who holds your breath in His hand has had it. You are in major trouble.”
What a phrase! “He who holds your breath in His hand.”
In Genesis 2, God breathed the breath of life into man’s nostrils, but He did not relinquish ownership of it nor authority over it.
Modern man, from the poorest to the most powerful ones in world politics, tends to think his breath is a personal possession. Day after day we see the authorities speak with cocky assurance about their plans and goals. There seems to be little doubt in their minds that their breath is guaranteed for tomorrow.
Belshazzar thought so too, until the hand appeared.
We live in special times and may soon witness events that could parallel stories like this one in Daniel 5.
Meanwhile, let’s use our breath to honor God every moment we are awake

For many, this Covid year has brought about some intensely stressful situations.
And so, I’d like to analyze this thing called stress for a few minutes, for it may not be what we sometimes think it is. First of all, it is very much a thing of the mind, an invisible war that takes place in our thought life, and something all of us have to deal with.    
However, since it is usually triggered by very visible and tangible situations, we tend to think of it almost as a physical malady. If we add the various bodily symptoms that often come with it, it is no wonder that we may see it as an evil attacking us from “out there” somewhere.
Stress can come to us in many ways and from many directions. It may come through a demanding boss, unpleasant co-workers, or nasty clients. There is a kind that comes knocking at our door when bills are due and money is scarce. Other common sources are family tensions, health problems or uncertainties, huge and intimidating projects, or complex ministry situations.
Sleepless nights are a frequent product, as well as tightness in the chest, loss or increase of appetite, irritability, etc…
But ultimately, stress is very much a spiritual battle. At least, I see it that way in my life. There comes a point when I have to stop blaming circumstances and take a look deeper and inside.
In order to get some perspective on the issue, let’s consider three very familiar Bible stories.
First, think of the Israelites, right out of Egypt. They soon found themselves facing a sea of water with the Egyptian chariots pressing in from behind. They were mega stressed, so much so that they blamed Moses for taking them to their death and wished they were slaves back in Egypt! But should they have been stressed? NO, absolutely not. From reality’s perspective, they weren’t in the slightest bit of danger. And after the miracles they had just witnessed, they should have been looking up and saying, “Hmmmm. I wonder how God is going to get us out of THIS mess?”
Now let’s think about the three Hebrews standing before Nebuchadnezzar. They could probably hear the roar of the fire and feel the increase of temperature coming from the furnace. Knowing  it was their next stop, shouldn’t they have stressed out? NO, and they didn’t. Why not?
Because they believed God.
Finally, move forward a few chapters and think about Daniel, and how stressed he was when the lion’s den decree was passed. Actually, he wasn’t, was he? Why not?
Because he believed God.
Now let’s ask ourselves why we are often stressed into desperation over circumstances that don’t come even close to these I mentioned? Why were we stressed out?
Because we failed to believe God.
We didn’t rule our minds and control our thinking, and we either forgot or ignored basic truths like these:
Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, who mind is stayed on thee…
So the next time I feel stress beginning to invade my soul, I trust I’ll have the maturity to acknowledge what’s really happening and repeat what a certain gentleman said long ago, “Lord, please help my unbelief!