Good Morning! Yesterday was another fun time with many friends. Having two big parties back to back I do think was easier than having to get the house ready two separate times, but I will admit I am tired. I am sure you all are too. I had no trouble sleeping last night, that is for sure!
Today in Daniel we read about a King Darius who did have trouble sleeping. Do you know the circumstances for the Scripture above and why he couldn’t sleep? It was because he had just ordered Daniel to be thrown in the lion’s den and the opening sealed shut . It is actually kind of a weird story because he is the one who commands it, but this same king also rushes to the den in the morning hoping beyond hope that Daniel is still alive and was saved by “his” God.
The story is a very familiar one, but still intriguing. We know the king was “trapped” by his advisors who suggested he make a law that anyone who does not worship him be punished. When they came to the king with the idea, he must have felt great about it-it probably “stroked his pride” a bit, and he signed on the dotted line. He didn’t think about the consequences. If he had, he knew Daniel well enough to know he would continue to worship God. The king just forgot...when the suggestions was made, I imagine he was so proud of himself, being worshiped, he forgot about everything else.
This is a lesson in pride. It feels good to be praised, admired and complimented for a quality of ours. I know –because it feels good to me. It can also be a trap. Pride clouds our thinking, and can aid in our making rash decisions. We begin to think too highly of ourselves, we get on our “high horse” and who knows what the consequences of those may be. A friend may be hurt in the process, we may be embarrassed later by something we said or did, or a host of other things may happen. The Bible tells us “ Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov 16:18) It is true. It happened to King Darius-and caused a decision he greatly regretted, and it could happen to us too.
We need to be thankful for our skills and abilities, but be careful about rash decisions and pride taking over when we bask in them. When complimented, say “thank you” and enjoy the moment, but remember to not let it go to our head. Keep things in perspective. Otherwise, we may lose more than just a night’s sleep!
- Holly
Holly's Java
