August 5, 2025 - Daniel 4-6

Recovered from his humiliation, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, testified about God, that his kingdom and dominion are over all and eternal and that he does whatsoever he pleases (4:34,35). 

“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

      for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

      all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,

and he does according to his will among the host of heaven

and among the inhabitants of the earth;

      and none can stay his hand

or say to him, ‘What have you done?’” (4:34-35)

Nebuchadnezzar then added:  “Now 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” 4:37).

Threatened with punishment for failing to worship the king, Daniel immediately “got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God” (6:10).  Thrown into the lions' den, “God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths” (6:22).  Daniel knew, and Nebuchadnezzar came to understand that, in good times, and maybe especially in difficult times, we find ourselves looking to God for all we need.  We rely on his power and protection.  We flourish because of his abundant provisions.  He is faithful!

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform.

He plants his footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in the dark and hidden mines,

With never-failing skill,

He fashions all his bright designs

And works his sov’reign will.

So God we trust in you.

O God, we trust in you.

When tears are great and comforts few,

We hope in mercies ever new,

We trust in you.   -- William Cowper (1774)