There is nothing like the good times. These are the times when things are going our way, and we feel like we are on top of the world. Some of us are on top of the world right now, while others might be going through one of the lower valleys. Some of us have been around long enough to see both the highs and the lows, and have lived to tell about it. There is something to be said for perspective. 

Scripture: “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. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” – Daniel 4:34

Observation/Application:    
Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon had grown to become the most power king in the world. His kingdom was huge, as were his riches, power, and influence. This was certainly what we would call the “good times”. Wouldn’t we all like to experience that kind of abundance if even for a day? Yet even the most powerful King on the earth, like the rest of us, at some point will come face to face with God. There is no escaping it, whether in life or through death, we all eventually meet our maker.

And in this chapter we learn about when Nebuchadnezzar reaches that point in his life. The good old days were gone, and God thrust him into the wilderness to live among the animals. Life as he once knew it was over, at least for a time, until the king humbled himself, and raised his eyes toward heaven. Once he came to know the One true God, his sanity was restored, along with his honor, and splendor. His advisors and nobles sought him once again and he was restored to his throne. It says that he became even greater than before.

This great lesson of being cast down from our high horses, from our pedestals, from our great egos is one of those lessons that I wish everyone could learn about and not have to experience. Unfortunately, the greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is today’s achievements. Once we start achieving in life, it becomes easy to become consumed by our own press. It is so easy to take for granted or forget that God is at the center of it all. And when we believe that we are the center of it all, we are setting ourselves up for a great lesson in humility.

As Nebuchadnezzar says in the last verse of chapter 4, “And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” And As Jesus said, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – (Matthew 23:12).

Whether we are on top of the world, or in the lowest of valleys, let us look toward heaven and fix our eyes on Jesus. And let us never forget that Jesus is the center of it all.

Prayer:  
Dear heavenly Father, we come to you with open minds and open hearts. Fill us with the goodness of your Word today. Let it restore us, refresh us, and make us new. Teach us your Ways Lord, that we might avoid some of the great pitfalls and valleys in life. Cleanse our hearts and minds, and fill us with more of you. We cry out to you Lord to show us your glory! Reveal yourself to us Lord, that our faith will be strengthened. Advance us in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding Lord. We seek you first each and every day. Let us remain humble Lord, and never forget or take for granted each and every blessing, and each and every breath that you give us Lord. Show us your glory, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

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