Continued Humility

“Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and carried on the king’s business; but I was astounded at the vision, and there was no one to explain it.” – Daniel 8:27 NASB

Daniel had everything going for him. He was handsome and talented. He showed  “intelligence in every kind of literature and expertise” and was “endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge.” He even understood “all kinds of visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:4, 17). He was able to describe and interpret dreams given to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2). Despite these gifts, he consistently stayed humble.

We see this humility when he was given revelations he did not understand. Impacted by what he had seen, he became “exhausted and sick for days.” He tried to go about business as usual but remained “astounded at the vision.” He was troubled by the vision he could not understand. He had been given special gifts, but even Daniel had limits.

We can respond in many ways to the blessings of God, the abilities, gifts, and insights He gives us. We can easily feel superior and become spiritually proud. The experience of Daniel reminds us that we always owe everything to God.

The Bible makes clear that God looks for people who are humble, who serve Him faithfully in whatever assignments they are given, and who recognize that God still has all the power, all the wisdom, and all the authority. We are just His servants.

At every stage of life, seek to stay humble before God, and guard against spiritual pride. Remember that you are His servant, and you owe everything to Him.

Reflection Question: What is your response to all the blessings God has given you?