Marie’s daily verse: Psalm 46:2: Therefore we will not fear, 

Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

DAILY DEVOTION, April 17, 2023

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down (Daniel 4:37).

Nebuchadnezzar was a heathen king. He did not have any regard for the God of Israel. Then he met Daniel. The king had a dream interpreted by Daniel. The king learned he would lose his mind for a time and live like an animal. This was a judgment upon his wickedness, especially his pride. Daniel told him to get his spiritual act together, and perhaps God would restore him (Dan 4:27). 

When the king was restored to his right mind, he changed his opinion about the God of Israel. He praises Him and affirms that He is a God of truth and justice. He mentions especially that God disapproves of pride. He experienced firsthand that God can put down those who walk in pride.

We need to beware of having too high an opinion of ourselves. Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on earth in his day. He was above criticism. He was able to crush anyone and everyone who stood in his way. He did not need anyone, God or man – – – or so he thought. The God of Israel brought the great king down, and he became a believer. Don’t allow pride to get ahold of you. If you do, God can bring you down. The wiser course is to turn away from pride and live humbly before God.

Gracious God, help me to recognize when pride is in my heart. I have no reason to stand before my Creator with pride in my soul. If I ever look down upon another human being, I ask you to bring me to repentance. If I stubbornly refuse, I ask You to work drastically in my life as You did with Nebuchadnezzar, until I learn to walk before You in humility. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

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