MY UNDERSTANDING RETURNED

And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to Heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever. . . . At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down (Daniel 4:34, 36-37).

 

Repentance was the key to Nebuchadnezzar’s healing and deliverance.

 

To fall is bad enough, but to fall and not cry out for help, refusing to repent for your sin, is worse than the fall itself. Some people are so full of pride and consumed with their own self-sufficiency that they think, “If I can’t get up myself, I won’t let anyone help me.”

 

Maybe you are ashamed to let anyone know that you have fallen because you don’t want them to think less of you. Is your image so important that you’re willing to continue in your pitiful fallen state? Are you so deceived that you will not acknowledge that you have sinned? Stop being so proud. After all, isn’t that what caused you to fall in the first place?

 

Pride is dangerous because it forces you to lie needlessly in a helpless state for days - and sometimes years. If you had asked for help immediately, you could have gotten up and gone on with your life.

 

CONSIDERATIONS

 

1. Repent means to feel remorse,self-reproach, and to feel such regret for past conduct as to change one’s mind regarding it. It also means to make a change for the better as a result of contrition for one’s sins. Have you repented of conduct that you know God would not approve?

 

2. All are guilty of prideful thoughts and actions from time to time. Think of a time that you know pride was the root of the problem. Did you dig it out and destroy it? If not, do so soon.

 

3. Is it hard for you to ask others or God for help? Why?

 

4. After you ask God for help, how do you feel? Giving your problems to Him totally brings a peace that passes all understanding. Do you know that? 

 

5. Going on with your life after a fall or failure actually empowers you to do greater things. What greater thing can you begin today?

 

T.D. JAKES