Honoring God is easy when things move in the positive direction and all is right for everyone. But, when things are not as planned, and there is accountability and demonstration of responsibility, there is a tendency to turn away from or at least shun God.
“36At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” – Daniel 4:36-37 (ESV)
When we look at the life and times of Nebuchadnezzar, he was, at first not the staunch follower of God as he is in these verses. Just a short time before this, he threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace for not worshiping his gods. Once they were delivered from the furnace, he suddenly realized the power of God and turned to Him.
What I am looking at in the verses quoted above is that Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the power of God that restored him to greatness in his kingdom. He is quick to indicate that it is/was God and His right and just ways that are to be praised for this to have taken place. And that is such an important item as relates to the story of Nebuchadnezzar.
Now, he is also able to show his understanding of God’s ability to hold us accountable with the last part of verse 37, “and those who walk in pride he is able to humble”. I can only think that Nebuchadnezzar may be speaking of himself in this instance. As he was brought to know and understand the power of God as God demonstrated His power to deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the furnace, his pride was shaken and he himself was humbled.
I am glad that God demonstrates all that He is at all times to us. When there is the opportunity to heap blessing on us, He does and when we are in need of humbling, he takes the necessary course of action. I know that I need all the actions that God takes with me to keep me moving to Him and bringing Him with me wherever I tend to go. It is my responsibility to praise God for all the actions He takes with me to demonstrate His power and glory.
Has God demonstrated His power and glory in your life? Was it always the positive experience you hoped for? What if you honored God for all that He is able to do for and with you?
Trevor's Thoughts 