Threat or Promise

The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men

And gives them to whomever He wishes

And sets over them the lowliest of men.

I will bless the Most High

And praise and honor Him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion,

And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

He regards all the inhabitants of the earth as nothing,

And does as He pleases with the host of heaven

And the inhabitants of the earth.

No one can hold back His hand

Or say to Him: “What have you done?”

I praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven,

For all His works are true, and all His ways are just,

And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Daniel 4:17, 34-35, 37

This passage has been a journey for me.   I struggle with self-righteousness, sometimes more than others.  When I would read these verses in Hanbook to Prayer, Praying Scripture Back to God, fear would clutch at my heart because, while I hated my pride, I was afraid of being humbled.  I was remorseful.  I hated myself. I did not deny my self-righteousness but I couldn’t do anything about it.  It hung like a death sentence around my neck. Some people struggle with lust but my constant companion was self-righteousness.  My scarlet letter was SR instead of A.  Then one day, the Holy Spirit helped me to see this passage as a promise and as a reason to hope.  The Holy Spirit showed me that this was not a threat but good news!!  God can make the proud humble and James says He draws near to the humble!  What hope in the middle of my worst nightmare.  He has the power to make me what He needs me to be so He can draw near to me.  Precious saving, sanctifying God.