“After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever… When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.” (Daniel 4:34,36,37)

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ruled the world, and his pride had blown up to an all-time high. As he was congratulating himself for being awesome, he lost his mind. This disaster could have been avoided had he heeded Daniel’s warning when he interpreted the King’s dream which foretold this nightmare. KingNebuchadnezzar developed a psychological disorder called boanthropy, which caused him to act like a cow for seven years. How embarrassing. So much for ruling the world.

According to the World Health Organization, about 25% of all U.S. adults have a mental disorder such as anxiety, schizophrenia, panic disorders, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, phobias, and Alzheimer’s. 

How in the world is our government going to take on this growing issue? Wait a minute. Let’s not ask the government. Let’s ask the one who carries the government on his shoulders. If our culture can learn one lesson from Nebuchadnezzar’s mental illness it’s this:  giving praise to God is the most sane thing you can do. Humility and praise restored his sanity and his kingdom, and changed his life forever. It can do the same for us. 

Father,

I will keep my eyes on you. I will give you thanks and praise today for everything that’s good! For the beauty of creation. For the friends I enjoy. For the flowers in the vase on my counter. For the way you have led me. For sustaining me through painful seasons and making me a better person as a result. For teaching me and giving me new insights. For laughter. For puppies. For the cool rain. For desires that have yet to be realized. For the anticipation of another holiday. For lunch. For Your Word that breathes new life into my spirit every day. For your ways that far excel mine. For sunsets. For hazy horizons. For scientists who continually (and quite accidentally) come closer and closer to proving that your word is ultimate truth. For timely phone calls. For encouraging emails. For quiet moments. For classical literature. For talented musicians. For hungry babies…

For all this and more I will keep on praising you! I am nothing without you.

Amen