Four Walls of Gratitude: Gratitude at Work (Daniel 6:1-16)

On November 3, Pastor Jeff discussed how practicing gratitude at work serves as an anchor, helping us find purpose and remain steadfast, even amidst workplace challenges. Like Daniel in Daniel 6, who continued giving thanks despite betrayal, we can find strength in gratitude to face adversity and honor God in our work.

Four Walls of Gratitude Series
The "Four Walls of Gratitude" series delves into how cultivating gratitude can lay a strong foundation across all areas of our lives, whether at work, home, worship, or play. Throughout November, we’ll focus on one "wall" each week, highlighting how gratitude can build a house that brings stability, resilience, and deeper joy to our daily lives. Each week is meant to see how gratitude can ground us, even in challenging circumstances, by focusing on God’s presence and blessings.

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What we practice together.
Our small church community is uniquely caring, simple, laid-back, and intergenerational. As a church, we want to be a welcoming, safe, and healing community for those who are seeking, hurting, or need a place to belong. Our practices are contemplative (reflective) charismatic (Spirit-driven), conversational, and informative. The times we share together are intentional and intimate, and a mix between modern and traditional. We want to be a place in which love and honor are lived out, where humility is central, and where hospitality is woven into the threads of our community. There is room at the table.

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River Corner Church gathers weekly on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM to worship and experience God, study the scriptures, journey through life together, and partner with the Holy Spirit. We meet in a simple worship meeting house at 524 River Corner Road in Conestoga, Pennsylvania. You are welcome as you are, just be yourself. There are other times that we hold small groups, events, and more.

Our Pastoral Leader.
As the pastor of River Corner Church, Jeff McLain leads our church community and helps others to think differently about Jesus, life, and everything in-between. Jeff also serves as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission, where he works with those facing homelessness and poverty. Jeff, Katie, and their three wander-filled daughters look to lead quiet lives. Committed to lifelong learning, Jeff is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Kairos University and completing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Executive Leadership at City Vision University. These academic pursuits complement the two masters he completed earlier at Fuller Seminary. Jeff has a passion for baseball, boardwalks, beaches, bays, and books, but above all, his greatest joy lies in spending time with his family and guiding our church community on our journey of faith together.

Learn more about us at rivercornerchurch.com.

Transcript

Introduction to Practicing Gratitude at Work 

This morning, we’re beginning a series on gratitude, exploring how this powerful practice can shape our lives, not just during Thanksgiving or the harvest season, but in every season of life. Throughout November, we’ll look at four lessons—four “walls of gratitude” that help us build a strong foundation of contentment in the places where we live, work, worship, and play. This week, we’re focusing on the role of gratitude at work in our lives, seeing how it can be a stabilizing force that keeps us anchored in God’s purposes, even in the face of challenges in the workplace that just make life feel like the bottom is falling out. 

Gratitude in the Midst of Workplace Challenges

Work can be a place of tremendous purpose and growth, but it can also be filled with frustration, sabotage, and a lack of appreciation. When we don’t feel valued, our natural response can be to throw in the towel, look elsewhere, or feel that our worth is slipping away. We are going to see this morning how Daniel 6 gives us a powerful example of how gratitude can help us rise above these feelings. Despite facing severe opposition and betrayal, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to God, refusing to let the pressures around him define his identity or purpose. He rooted his worth and dignity in God, and this gave him the strength to stay true to his calling. Practicing gratitude, as Daniel did, helps us reframe our work struggles, reminding us that our ultimate value is defined by God—not by the recognition or challenges we face.

The other stages of life.

No matter our stage of life—whether retired, in school, working from home, or in a career—gratitude has the power to transform how we view the tasks and relationships that fill our days. For those retired, echoes of past workplace hurts may linger, shaping worries about legacy and significance. Gratitude helps us release these burdens, bringing peace to each new day’s tasks, whether in the garden, on a project list, or in nurturing relationships. For students and those who aren’t in traditional workplaces, gratitude grounds us, helping us find purpose in our studies, household responsibilities, and interactions. We are all working in some way. So, as we reflect this November on gratitude, let’s remember that in every season, gratitude can reshape our perspective, drawing us back to God’s call to live fully, faithfully, and with a thankful heart.

Week One: Gratitude at Work

Work is foundational to our lives, woven into our purpose since the beginning. In Genesis, God created humanity to steward creation with hands, minds, and abilities. Work was never just a task; it was meant as worship, a way to honor God through cultivation. Beyond this, work gives us benefits: social connections, financial support, and a sense of purpose, and contributes to our well-being.

For those who have faced unemployment or a lack of work, it can feel unsettling or even defeating. During the 2010 recession, I personally struggled with the identity loss that can come with being without work. It wasn’t only about finances; it was about self-worth. That period of humility was a reminder of how deeply we often tie our sense of value to our jobs. I am realizing in seasons where I feel underutilized in my role, that I also feel a lack of worth. That is often because we are living into expectations rather than gratitude for what is before us.

 In the Ten Commandments, God underscores the importance of work by dedicating six days to labor (Deuteronomy 5:13-15). But the seventh day is one of rest—a Sabbath where we pause, refocus, and dwell with God. This rhythm was intended to set limits on our work and to remind us that rest is essential for us, our environment, and all who labor under us. It is also a practice of gratitude. It is sitting with God’s presence and realizing all he has gifted us.

The Apostle Paul also highlights the value of meaningful work. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, he encourages believers to “make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, mind our own business, and work with our hands.” Work done in this spirit becomes an act of worship—a way to contribute meaningfully without being “busybodies” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). When we work well, Psalm 128:1-2 assures us that God will bless our efforts. And in Colossians 3:23-24, Paul reminds us to “work with all our hearts as if for the Lord.” Our labor is more than a paycheck; it’s an act of devotion. However, work is not easy. It is work. It is toil. It can get the best of us.

Finding Purpose When Work Becomes a Struggle

When work loses its meaning or we’re simply overwhelmed by its demands, it’s challenging to approach it as “unto the Lord.” Life’s pressures—financial, family, health—often add to our exhaustion. We work for the weekend, for the paycheck, for the life we want to live, or just to get through it when it looses it’s contentment for us. Sometimes, the people we work with are difficult, and work becomes draining. On those days, it can take all we have to get there on time, let alone feel motivated or joyful.

The fast-paced work culture we live in often pushes us to the brink, where productivity and “always-on” demands make it hard to disconnect. The mix of high expectations, tight deadlines, and technological change creates constant stress, which can lead to burnout. Many find it hard to connect their work to a greater purpose, feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind. Monday may start with a little energy, but by Tuesday, we’re counting down to Friday.

The Challenge of Gratitude Amid Sabotage and Stress

Work relationships are often what make things the hardest. Humanity’s problem with brokenness and sin has tainted not only our environment but also our workplaces (Genesis 3:17-19). Ecclesiastes laments the “meaningless” toil that leaves our hearts restless. He even speaks to our jobs haunting our sleep and leading to the inability to rest or get away from the stress. Sleepless nights, dreams—or even nightmares—about work reflect the burdens we carry from our jobs.

What happens when we feel undervalued, sabotaged, or unappreciated at work? These moments can feel defeating. I wholeheartedly share that what we are talking about tomorrow, I am still learning to live into myself. We can easily be derailed. However, as I was reflecting on gratitude this week, I do think that the scriptures give us a challenge of gratitude amid sabotage and stress in our day-to-day lives. Gratitude becomes an anchor that keeps us drifting when all seems to be working against us in our vocational and work lives.

Daniel’s Example in Difficult Work Environments

Daniel offers us a powerful example in Daniel 6. Despite working in an oppressive setting, he remained faithful, demonstrating dignity, value, and integrity. His success provoked jealousy, and his peers conspired to undermine him. Yet Daniel persisted in gratitude and trust in God. This unwavering posture elevated him and offered him purpose amid hardship.

In our study of Daniel 6, I invite you to consider God’s call to faithful work and gratitude. As we read together, let the Spirit highlight what you need to wrestle with personally. God’s Word is alive and relevant, ready to reveal the will of God for us today.

The Passage

his week, let’s take the first steps to build a wall of gratitude in the place where we work. Let’s turn our focus now to Daniel 6:1-16 and see how Daniel’s example can encourage us to root ourselves in gratitude, even when work feels against us. 

“It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”

16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

Daniel’s role within the Persian Empire highlights the administrative structure of satrapies, where officials governed local regions to maintain control over the vast empire, usually in groups of twenty to thirty. Scholars suggest these satraps were lower-ranking governors, while Daniel held a higher position over several regions. His integrity, discernment, and dedication made him an excellent candidate for a senior role, as his character and “excellent spirit” was clear to others (Daniel 6:3) as most verses say, but the NIV missteps from. Daniel’s God-given wisdom and integrity were evident, even to those who disliked him.

The Persian Empire was highly protective of its power, policies, and influence, and Daniel’s honesty posed a threat to those seeking to sabotage him. Jealousy and rivalry, common even in today’s workplaces, led his adversaries to find a way to entrap him by forcing a clash between Persian law and Daniel’s faith. They manipulated the “law of the Medes and Persians,” which, once decreed, could not be changed, as seen in Esther 1:19 and 8:8. This strategy appealed to Darius’s desire to solidify his rule, likely as a symbolic gesture, given that Persian kings typically did not claim divinity. Daniel’s adversaries crafted a decree that would exploit the king’s power, knowing he could not retract it without compromising his honor, a concept rooted in Persian royal tradition dating back to the Code of Hammurabi. The Code of Hammurabi was 282 laws or so, inscribed on stone, that talked about how to influence and take over other regions.

Daniel’s commitment to God, even under the threat of death, stood in sharp contrast to those who plotted against him. When he learned of the decree, Daniel likely felt the sting of betrayal but trusted in God’s strength. The threat of punishment by lions—animals kept in cistern-like pits and used for hunting and intimidation— they didn’t have local lions, and tigers and bears oh my – but they did have trade that brought these things in - all of this is documented in Assyrian history, but also modern museums where we have skeletons with their arrows in them from being hunted down – and in this story it reflected the severe consequences for those who defied royal decrees. This event underscores the cultural and political challenges Daniel faced, as he remained steadfast in his faith amidst a powerful empire seeking to control him.

Bridging this to our time

Conflict in the workplace is as old as time. Sadly, jealousy and misunderstanding often lead people to undermine or even sabotage others, especially as they begin to step confidently into the skills and gifts God has given them. We see this clearly in Daniel’s story, where opposition comes as a form of spiritual attack, and I think it does today. This type of challenge can appear in our lives, too, especially when we’re striving to live out our faith and use our gifts in meaningful ways. It is a way in which evil tries to keep us from finding worth, dignity, and value in who God created us to be. It is stopping us from living into the fullness of what God has given us the capacity for. It looks to bring us into discontentment, disconnecting us from purpose.

Darius also provides a cautionary example, reminding those in leadership how easy it is to be blinded by the desire to consolidate authority or control. We don’t consider the long-term effects of an idea or strategic plan. Leaders, like Darius, can sometimes prioritize power over wisdom, a pitfall we should aim to avoid.

Daniel’s work testimony stands as an inspiring example, showing us the importance of being known for two things: integrity and God’s empowerment. He didn’t get swept up in the surrounding culture or workplace politics; instead, his integrity was evident to everyone around him, even his critics. This kind of uprightness often disturbs others, as they may try harder to find fault with us. In moments where our work or values may conflict with the world’s, Daniel reminds us to stand firm in God’s purposes. The way we stand firm, seems to be in the way we practice gratitude and spiritual disciplines, of which gratitude is one.

One of my favorite authors on gratitude, a former Asbury Professor, Theologian, Teacher, and Author Christine D. Pohl has said, "Gratitude and wonder are squeezed out when our lives are packed full of busyness and responsibilities. There is simply no room, no time to notice." Daniel has a habit to reverse that. She also challenges it isn't only the busyness and expectations of others that roots us away from gratitude. But also she explores how "in scripture, remembering falsely or forgetting entirely is often associated with an absence of gratitude. One of the saddest judgments passed on people in scripture is that they didn't remember God's steadfast love." To not be grateful is a sin, it is a practice that sustains us.

For this reason I really want us to look at Daniel 6:10. The passage reads, “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Don’t skip past this line. Feel the weight of it. Daniel knows what this means. He knows he has been stabbed in the back. Without a doubt, he knows the lack of trust around him. The light at the end of the tunnel had been turned off for budget cuts and he is now on the chopping block. What does Daniel do? He takes inventory publicly of all he is thankful for.

The hebrew word yeda (yed-aw') there is an act of worship or praise, by which one gives thanks as an offering of praise. It also shows up in Daniel 2:23, when we find Daniel in the act of praising. He says, "I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, you have give me wisdom and power, you have made known to me and what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king." Daniel stops in Daniel 2, and publicly praises God with gratitude. He acknowledges the wisdom, the spirits power at play in his life, the things made known to him, the ability to speak into a situation outside of his control, and he praises that things are done for us. Daniel models that same kind of grateful practice here. The windows are open so that it is a public thing. He most likely is thanking God for all hes done for him up to this point. Maybe Daniel has discovered what Jesus says in Matthew 10:32, “whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in Heaven.” There is a public aspect of praise for Daniel. It is a disciplined act. Even when its all falling apart, it is a discipline he is invested in. Prayer is part of life. 

The Berakot, part of Jewish liturgical practice, has been shaped and compiled over centuries by various sages and religious authorities – and some of it is written just a little after the life of Daniel. This compilation reflects the collective wisdom and interpretations of Jewish scholars throughout history, particularly regarding blessings and the laws surrounding them. When it comes to prayer, these sages have reached a consensus that calls for three daily prayers—one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. There is some debate about what to do if one misses a prayer and who might be able to say it later in the day, but the standard remains three daily prayers. Symbolically, these prayers are said to have been modeled after the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac (representing the afternoon prayer), and Jacob (representing the evening prayer). The rabbinic prayer model connects these practices of prayer to the stories of the patriarchs and, as Rabbi Hammer points out, to Moses. This framework developed three categories of prayer: (1) “petition,” (2) “praise and thanksgiving,” and (3) “confession and forgiveness.” Perhaps Daniel is modeling an early practice of this framework and this afternoon’s prayer practice was something he did daily. Focusing on praise and thanksgiving. We need regular habits in gratitude.

Faithful Gratitude in Adversity

Daniel’s story is one of incredible resilience in the face of adversity. He could have easily let fear overtake him, stopped praying, or even grown resentful. But instead, he continued to practice gratitude and faithfulness, trusting in God despite the circumstances. Daniel did not let the threat against his life or the malice of his peers shake his faith or his commitment. He displayed what it means to be steadfast in his devotion, modeling the truth that gratitude and trust in God aren’t only for the good times but especially for the challenging ones. The way forward for us is the same, the disciplined practice of yed-aw.

In this scene, Daniel embodies what it means to practice gratitude at work—even in a hostile environment. He chooses to continue his practice of praying and giving thanks, even when it could cost him his life. His example reminds us that our work, though imperfect and challenging, can still be a place of worship and thanksgiving when we approach it with a heart rooted in gratitude.

When Work Brings Frustration and Pain

Work often brings challenges and can sometimes seem like a lion’s den of its own. Our lions Den’s might be the principal office, the bosses office, or Human Resources. Colleagues may undermine us, managers might not recognize our efforts, or tasks may feel unmanageable. These experiences can lead us to doubt our value and purpose. In such moments, we may feel tempted to give up or disengage, losing sight of why we started in the first place. However, we can’t lose gratitude because it is what will keep us together.

Yet Daniel’s story shows us a different path. He teaches us to approach even the most difficult work situations with faith and gratitude, recognizing that God is at work with us. When we root ourselves in God’s purposes, we can find the courage to stay true to our calling, even when work gets hard. Gratitude helps shift our perspective, lifting our eyes beyond our current struggles and reminding us of the greater purpose God has for us. Though imperfect and challenging, work can still be a place of worship and thanksgiving when we approach it with a heart rooted in gratitude.

Gratitude as a Foundation of Dignity and Calling

Just as Daniel practiced gratitude and faithfulness in his work, Jesus modeled thanksgiving even in difficult circumstances, particularly when he prayed in the garden, expressing his desire for the trouble of the cross to be taken away while ultimately giving thanks for God's will to be done. Paul encourages believers to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV). When we adopt a posture of gratitude, we begin to see our dignity, worth, and calling as rooted in God’s truth rather than in fleeting praise or discouragement. This doesn’t mean we ignore real challenges; instead, it invites us to recognize that God is present with us in our work, and our gifts and skills are part of God’s purpose. Practicing gratitude helps us remain faithful and grounded, regardless of our circumstances, allowing us to step fully into the roles God has prepared for us, equipped with peace, purpose, and resilience. Though work can be imperfect and challenging, it can still be a place of worship and thanksgiving when we approach it with a heart rooted in gratitude.

As we seek to cultivate gratitude in our vocational lives, we invite transformation into how we perceive and experience work. Gratitude reshapes our outlook, giving us the capacity to see beyond immediate frustrations and to find purpose in every task. It reframes challenges by shifting our focus from what is missing to what is meaningful, allowing us to see our work as part of a larger purpose. By choosing to be grateful, we allow the simple and even mundane aspects of our jobs to take on new value, seeing them as opportunities to serve and grow. This mindset lets us approach daily responsibilities with renewed joy, reminding us that each task, big or small, has the potential to honor God and bless others.

Gratitude also deepens our relationships at work, fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect. When we make a habit of acknowledging the contributions of our colleagues and expressing appreciation, we build trust and strengthen team morale, contributing to a healthier and more supportive environment. A workplace grounded in gratitude encourages us to recognize the value each person brings, helping us to focus on collaboration rather than competition. Ultimately, gratitude empowers us to work with a sense of purpose and contentment, enriching both our individual experiences and the overall spirit of our work community.

Practical Steps for Practicing Gratitude at Work

1.    Make a Daily Gratitude List on a Disciplined Time: Begin or end each day by listing three things you’re grateful for at work or do this over lunch. Do it at the end of your day.

2.    Pray Gratefully for Colleagues and Leaders: Just as Daniel prayed openly, commit to praying for your workplace, colleagues, and leaders. Ask God to work in their lives, and pray for wisdom and patience for yourself. This practice shifts our focus from frustration to compassion and gratitude, recognizing that others are also navigating their own challenges.

3.    Practice Gratitude Publicly.Be known as the person thanking God with the windows open like Daniel, as others are gossiping, rumoring, teraing down, or judging you. Become known for integntrity, empoweringmnet, and gratitude. This can reverse work cultures.

Finding Peace and Purpose in Gratitude

Christne D. Pohl writes "Our capacity for gratitude is not connected with an abundance of resources but rather with a capacity to notice what it is that we do have.” Even at the workplace. Henry Nouwen has said, "“We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes, each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make everything new. Imagine that we could live each moment as a moment pregnant with new life.” I think gratitude can help us do that. I think Daniel new it. Nouwen agrees, he says, "It may be a good idea to ask ourselves how we develop our capacity to choose for joy. Maybe we could spend a moment at the end of each day and decide to remember that day – whatever may have happened – as a day to be grateful for. In so doing we increase our heart’s capacity to choose for joy.” However, Nouwen says it is more than just counting the blessings - “True spiritual gratitude embraces all of our past, the good as well as the bad events, the joyful as well as the sorrowful moments. From the place where we stand, everything that took place brought us to this place, and we want to remember all of it as part of God’s guidance. 

SLIDE That does not mean that all of it is part of God’s guidance. That does not mean all that happened in the past was good, but it does mean that even the bad didn’t happen outside the loving presence of God.” Perhaps that is the praise and thanks Daniel was disciplined to practicing, and may it be so for us.

As we grow in gratitude, we begin to see our work through a different lens. Instead of focusing solely on the challenges and frustrations, we start recognizing God’s presence and purpose in our daily tasks. Gratitude grounds us, helping us stay connected to our calling and find meaning even in the mundane. Let’s take Daniel’s example to heart. Though work can be imperfect and challenging, it can still be a place of worship and thanksgiving when we approach it with a heart rooted in gratitude. 

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