There is a fascinating story in the Bible about a man, so bloated with pride, that he became like an animal.

His name was Nebuchadnezzar and he was a king.

Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom had prospered so much that he eventually fell prey to the notion that he was the lynchpin for all of its great success.

One day, while strolling around the rooftop of his palace, he declared, “Isn’t this Babylon the Great that I have built…by my vast power and for my majestic glory?” (Daniel 4:30 HSCB)

Immediately, his mind was altered and he became like an animal.  He “ate grass like cattle, his body was drenched with dew from the sky, until his hair grew like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.” (Daniel 4:33 HSCB)

After a lengthy period of time, Nebuchadnezzar’s “sanity returned to him” and he “praised the Most High and honored and glorified Him” noting that God is “able to humble those who walk in pride.” (vs. 34 & 37)

As humans, isn’t this the very thing that we are all most susceptible to? 

At its root, pride is simply when we make it all about us and shift the glory away from God, the rightful owner of all praise and worship.

It happens when we believe we closed that deal.

It happens when we think the outcome of that meeting, visit, or performance depends on us.

It happens when we secretly think that we have to be available 24/7 for our family, friends, or coworkers because, if not, who will help them??

It happens anytime we think WE are the be-all, end-all of anything!

But, here’s the beautiful and raw reality.  God didn’t need Nebuchadnezzar.  The day to day life of his Kingdom went on, even when he was living in the pasture chewing on dandelions.

He wasn’t the most important character in the story.  God was.

And, like Nebuchadnezzar, God will use circumstances and situations in our lives to reveal that we are not God.  He is.

And, even more incredible, is that He invites us daily to be a part of His never-ending story (just like He did with Nebuchadnezzar). 

Shedding those toxic layers of pride that tempt us to think the world just couldn’t go on without us sets us in the perfect place for God to shape us, teach us, and use us in ways that have the greatest impact for His eternal Kingdom.

Today, let’s learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s story and “praise, exalt, and glorify the King of heaven” for who He is and all that He does. 

Until next time, Grace and Glory!