Humility – Until He Lifted His Eyes to Heaven (365/36)
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Pride often shows up as relentless self-sufficiency, convincing us that depending on God is optional and leaning on others is weakness. Over time, that quiet independence hardens into distance from God and His grace.
In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel to interpret a disturbing dream no one else can explain. God reveals a great tree representing the king’s vast kingdom—impressive outwardly, yet rooted in pride apart from God’s rule. Though the dream warns of judgment, it is wrapped in mercy, offering restoration if the king would humble himself. Daniel urges repentance (v.27), and God patiently gives the king twelve months to respond. A year later, overlooking Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar boasts, “Is not this great Babylon that I have built?” (v.30). Immediately heaven speaks, humbling him in love, until he finally “lifts his eyes to heaven” (v.34) and learns the healing truth: “Those who walk in pride He is able to put down” (v.37).
The Bible clearly warns against the consequences of pride (Genesis 3:14-24; 11:5-9; Isaiah 14:15; 22-27). Pride leaves no room for humility. We act as though everything rests on us, unwilling to receive help, and dependence seems like weakness. We resist correction and carry pressures. While humility releases us to receive help—from God and from others—without fear of losing worth.
Pause and Ponder
What does Nebuchadnezzar’s story reveal about the dangers of pride and self-reliance?
Where might pride be leading me to manage everything on my own?
Who could be blessed as I choose humility, receive help, and live with greater peace?
Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but about letting God be God and resting in Him.
Lord, help me lay down my pride, walk in humility, and find my rest in Your sovereignty. Amen.
Extended reading: Daniel 4:1-37
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