(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Daniel 4:19b “I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you!”
Who is somebody in your life who sees the world very differently than you? Perhaps they look, think, live, believe, and/or sometimes behave in ways that just don’t make sense?
In Daniel 4, we see Daniel once again doing his best to help out the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. This is the king who overthrew Israel and took the people of Israel into a foreign land. This is the king who changed the names of Daniel and his friends. This is the king who had a system in place to educate Daniel and his friends in a completely different culture.
As you read the story, you may think that Daniel and his friends are going to do everything they can to defy the evil Babylonians. But that’s not the attitude they have. Here in Daniel 4:19, we get a good look at Daniel’s heart. Does king Nebuchadnezzar look, think, live, believe and/or behave very differently than Daniel and his friends? Definitely! But Daniel has a huge heart for the king. He has a desire to see the king come to know the true God.
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 4:1-19 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What is your heart’s attitude toward those who look, think, live, believe, and/or behave very differently from you? What is one way God may be inviting you to grow in having a heart for them as Daniel does king Nebuchadnezzar?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God’s voice more clearly.
Take a Step: This week, consider utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as Your Word says, Create a clean heart and steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Help me to see others as you see them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
south ridge blog 