Too Big For Our Britches?

Daniel 4:34-37 

Does anyone use the phrase “too big for your britches” anymore?  I’m not sure my kids know what britches are!  Well, in our passage today King Nebuchadnezzar got a little too big for his britches and just as his dream predicted, He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox (v. 33). But… 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 (v. 34).

Don’t we all have those moments when we think we’ve got it under control, that we can handle things without anyone’s help, especially God’s?  That’s usually the time life knocks us to the ground.  We must then decide whether to trudge on in a fog with our heads hanging down or raise our eyes towards heaven seeing clearly and moving forward in His name.

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 (v. 37).

Pride can be a tricky thing.  We all want to be proud of something.  It feels good.  People may praise us and say, “You should be so proud of yourself.” Or maybe they criticize and say, “Take a little pride in yourself!”  The problem is with the “self” part.  Pride shouldn’t come from ourselves, but from knowing we are God’s children and we are doing His will.

“Lord, help me to remain humble and lift my eyes to You.  Lead me forward to do Your will and allow me the pride of knowing I am yours.”  Amen