God Blesses Humility

When you hear motivational speeches or read books about surpassing expectations and achieving your aspirations, you'll often find an internal focus. However, this is a misguided starting point. Any progress or success we enjoy ultimately comes from the hand of God. Simply put, He is the owner, and we are the manager. See, God blesses humility because heaven smiles on those who seek to honor the Lord even in their moments of glory. Daniel understood these principles, and he flourished because of them. In Chapter 2 of his book, we learn that the Babylonian ruler, King Nebuchadnezzar, had a troubling dream. While none of his royal staff or soothsayers in the land could help, he turned to Daniel, and the young Hebrew delivered a clear interpretation.

"Daniel answered the king, 'Sir, your dream is a secret. No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can tell you about it. 28 But there is a God in heaven. He explains secret things. In your dream, he has shown you what will happen in future years. Now, I will tell you the dream and the visions that you had while you lay on your bed. 29 While you lay on your bed, you dreamed about future times. God explains secret things, and he has shown you what will happen in future years. 30 I am not more wise than other people. But God has explained your secret dream to me because he wants you to know what it means. He wants you to understand the thoughts in your mind'" (Daniel 2:27-30)

First, notice that throughout his meeting with the king, Daniel redirects the focus to God, saying that God gave him the ability to explain the dream! Next, Daniel provides the interpretation (Daniel 2:36-45), which, in turn, invited the king's respect and recognition:

Daniel 2:46-48, "King Nebuchadnezzar bent down with his face towards the ground. He gave honor to Daniel. He commanded his servants to offer sacrifices and to burn incense to praise Daniel. 47 The king said to Daniel, 'It is true that your God rules all other gods. He rules over kings, and he explains secret things. I know this because you were able to explain this dream to me.' 48 Then, the king made Daniel an important officer. He also gave Daniel many valuable gifts. He gave Daniel authority to rule over the whole region of Babylon. Daniel also became the most important officer with authority over all the wise men in Babylon."

Remember, God will bless humility, but He will oppose pridefulness. Therefore, stay humble and serve God's purposes.