Daniel 4:29-30 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
I have a new appreciation and thankfulness this morning that in all God’s dealings with me in the realm of humility, He hasn’t had to go to the extremes of Nebuchadnezzar to get my attention. However, I am just as guilty of the prideful attitude that Nebuchadnezzar had. I’ve strutted around, thinking how proud I was of all my accomplishments, thinking how I deserved the things I’d earned, thinking I deserved things that weren’t mine.
Daniel 4:33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
The way of self-seeking pride lies madness. For me, it was more about anger and bitterness when I didn’t get what I thought I deserved. Those emotions eat at my soul. So much better to live in the attitude of the song “Holy Now,” which I mentioned a while back. When I seek and look for God’s presence, I see it everywhere, and it’s a beautiful gift.
Daniel 4:34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
Lord, Give us eyes to seek You and see You everywhere, so that we can live in the wonder of Your presence all around us. Give us humble hearts, so that we can be filled with the awe of Your presence and goodness instead of filled with our own anger and bitterness at what we think we deserve. Thank You for Your fierce love and boundless grace. Amen.
Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Have a blessed day.