Daniel 4:34
“But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever”.
The king had just finished a difficult season. There were two previous times he blessed God, but fell into pride. This last season had him living years in a homeless state while not in his right mind. This lesson stuck. We will probably see him in heaven.
These seasons are disciplinary. Proverbs 3:11,12, says, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Many must have had pity on him, some thought, “What a shame.” Some lose their faith when they see this.
The Israelites in the wilderness were a lesson in complaining. They would yearn for the days back in Egypt. Forgetting the misery of slavery. “They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD”, (Psalm 106:25). It’s ok to have questions, but they can develop into an poor attitude and this becomes a state of mind.
We need to give our questions to God. He will give us peace. We do have to give them to Him. If we hold on to them we become bitter. It’s like a still pond becomes stagnant, while a running stream purifies itself.
I was wrestling with unforgiveness a couple months ago. I had to continually give it up to God. I considered it forgiveness by faith. If I thought about it, I would get angry again. I wouldn’t let it reside. I would push it out of my mind and rehearse forgiving them and move on. It was a tough couple of months, but it’s been a blessing to have this lesson on forgiveness.
The king had his lesson. He blessed God at the end of it. So we should be praising God in our lives. Certainly at the end, but also during the trial. Faith can praise Him middle of it. Paul and Silas praised Him while in prison.
The Proverbs passage said, “For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” He loves us. He is our Father. It’s His love that allows us to go through these times. Yes, they can be tough, but He sees the long term benefit. He matures us. We become better. He has a plan for our lives. All of our times go into that preparation.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.” What a great promise. He makes things beautiful.
We have to trust Him and have patience. A child gets mad when they don’t get their way. Sure times can be frustrating, but we need to be patient with Him. Praise Him. He’s a good, good Father.
Thank You, Lord, for the great work You do in our lives. You do make beautiful things. Help us to praise You at all times.