But I will sing of Thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of Thy mercy in the morning: for Thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. - Psalm 59:16
Man is a show-off. The baby is anxious to receive attention, and he cries if he does not get it. The boy turns handsprings or displays other feats so that his friends will see how strong he is. It is the human tendency to brag of wealth or wisdom or physical strength. But the Christian buries these boasts when he is born again by the Spirit of God. He is now "the new man."
If we would spend more time in considering our Creator and in meditating upon His power, we would have greater peace of mind and be more grateful to God for His blessings. Nebuchadnezzar lost his equilibrium in his lust for self-glory. "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" shouted the king as he viewed the magnificent city on the Euphrates River. The Bible declares that while the words were still in the king's mouth, the judgments of the Most High fell upon him.
Many a businessman says in his heart, "Is not his a tremendous fortune that I have amassed?" Or perhaps a doctor says, "Am I not a great surgeon and a famous man of medicine because of my wisdom?" But in such a heart there is no humility, no recognition of God's tender love, and of all His benefits, for pride and thankfulness cannot live together in the same house.
After King Nebuchadnezzar regained his senses he gave thanks to God. We read, "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase." Daniel 4:37. If an ancient monarch could learn this lesson, how much more important it is for us in the common walks of everyday life to learn that humbleness and self-forgetfulness are close companions of genuine happiness. - Neff