Our Own Thoughts

Nebuchadnezzar was “anxious” (v. 3). The Hebrew word here suggests that he was agitated and could get no rest. This was no ordinary problem but something monumental.

What had caused him such anxiety? It stemmed from a particularly troubling dream. The king could not shake the images, and he urgently needed the right interpretation of what the dream meant.

But Nebuchadnezzar experienced another form of agitation when he asked the kingdom’s magicians, conjurers, sorcerers and Chaldeans to explain the dream’s meaning. He rejected their request that he tell them the dream. If they truly had special powers, they should be able to tell him both the dream and its interpretation.

They argued that his demands were “difficult” and complained that only the “gods” could fulfill his requirements. Yet the king would not budge, and he became even more agitated.

Confronted by the same challenge, Daniel sought God, who revealed both the dream and its interpretation. Daniel then shared these truths with the king so he could “understand the thoughts of your own mind.” Yes, Nebuchadnezzar did not even know his own thoughts! But God did.

As the Bible makes clear, we may think we understand ourselves, but, in fact, our understanding is limited and often wrong. The Bible says “Man’s steps are ordained by the LORD, how then can man understand his way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

Today, remember that God knows you better than you know yourself. And He knows everything about you, including your true thoughts and motives. You cannot hide from Him. So humble yourself, and let Him teach you about yourself. Allow Him to mold you and shape your life according to His plan. He knows best.