When we read about the great men and women of the Bible, it’s easy to think of them as being in a class all their own—people with extraordinary faith or character qualities we could never have. But that’s not true. The same godly character that shaped their lives can be formed in us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
One of those remarkable people was Daniel. The Bible says Daniel possessed what God Himself called “an excellent spirit.”
Daniel 6:3 (NKJV) — “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.”
Daniel’s “excellent spirit” wasn’t something magical or reserved for a few. It was the product of his devotion to God—and it’s something God desires to develop in each of us as well.
Three qualities in Daniel’s life contributed to that excellent spirit:
- He learned God’s Word and allowed it to shape his attitudes and guide his behavior.
- He walked in humility and total dependence on God.
- He lived in a continual posture of prayer.
When these three qualities work together in our hearts, they create fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
We see all three clearly in Daniel’s life. When a law was passed forbidding anyone to pray to anyone except King Darius, Daniel didn’t panic or compromise.
Daniel 6:10 (NLT) — “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”
Daniel’s faithfulness in prayer flowed from his love for God’s Word. He knew what the Scriptures said about who God was and how He alone deserved worship.
Daniel 9:4 (NLT) — “I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: ‘O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands.’”
Daniel’s knowledge of God’s Word taught him truth—and that truth shaped his loyalty and obedience. Because of that, he knew he could never bow down and pray to King Darius.
For Daniel, prayer wasn’t a duty—it was a lifeline. It was as natural and essential as breathing. He saw God as the source of his wisdom, strength, and help in everything. That constant connection to God became part of his “excellent spirit.”
Daniel also modeled true humility. Though he was promoted to the highest positions of influence, he never took credit for his success. He recognized God as the one who lifted him up and sustained him. Where pride would have ruined most men, Daniel’s humility kept him grounded. He continually gave thanks to God, not just during his three daily prayer times, but in the continual attitude of his heart.
But having an excellent spirit didn’t mean Daniel lived a life free from trouble. His devotion to God brought jealousy and persecution from others who wanted to destroy him. Yet Daniel remained steady. He kept his heart before God and never stopped praying, even in the face of deadly threats.
Because of that, God’s wisdom, protection, and favor never left him.
Daniel 1:9 (NKJV) — “Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.”
Prayer doesn’t prevent every attack of the enemy, but it keeps us anchored in God’s presence. When you love His Word, walk in humility and dependence on Him, and remain constant in prayer, you invite His favor, deliverance, and blessing into every part of your life.
An excellent spirit isn’t a gift for a chosen few—it’s the result of staying close to the Lord and letting Him shape godly character in you, one day at a time.
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