Acknowledge That Heaven Rules

This scripture was the prophet Daniel’s interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream; however, these words were told to us by the king himself as a personal testimony of what he learned from the Most High God (Daniel 4:1-3). Like many of us today, Nebuchadnezzar relied on his own strength and ability to rule his kingdom. He took immense pride in his own wisdom and power to get things done.  And what is wrong with that?  Isn’t self-confidence a good thing? Well, it can be as long as we realize that all of our wisdom, strength, power, and righteousness come from God the Father.  It has nothing to do with our own mental or physical capability. It is all about the greatness of the One who is responsible for our very existence as well as for all that we possess. He can take everything away in an instant. He can restore more than what was taken from us whenever He sees fit (Revelation 4:11) We are told in Job 1:21, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.”  Could it be that we have become so caught up with our possessions, and worldly aspirations to have more than anyone else, that we have forgotten who is in charge of it all? Our first inclination when we are in trouble is to wreck our brain trying to produce a solution instead of calling on God. It is only after we realize that we cannot fix it or we have made matters worse that we remember to pray. We get angry at God when we ask, and He takes too long, or if He answers differently than the way we want. But think about it. Who is the omniscient (all-knowing) one? Do you really think you know better than Almighty God? Maybe everything is going well for you right now, so you have no need for heavenly things (church, prayer, bible study). You dismiss God because you’ve got this all on your own. Do you believe you have better resources than the Creator of Heaven and Earth? Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty (arrogant) spirit before a fall.”  If you are feeling overwhelmed by the struggles of this country, our world, or your own personal circumstances, stop and take a look at your relationship with God.  Maybe God is reminding you that we can do nothing without Him.  Are you recognizing Him for who He really is? Do you acknowledge Him at all in your daily routines? We shouldn't get so caught up with our own arrogance that we forget to spend time with Him. We should not wait like Nebuchadnezzar to be brought to a place of humility before we acknowledge God’s power. Let's admit our need for the Almighty now. “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.” (Daniel 4:37) Let's acknowledge that Heaven rules!