Daniel 4:37, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble." Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."

Think

Have you ever held a white-knuckle grip on something? After a while, the pain can be excruciating. But when you finally let go, the relief that you feel is unbelievable! King Nebuchadnezzar had a white-knuckle grip on his life. And the pain it caused emotionally, relationally, and spiritually was so bad it literally drove him insane. But after seven long years, he finally released his grip, handed control over to the one true God, and gave God the praise and honor that was due. The result, the Bible teaches, was a restored life for Nebuchadnezzar. What a great lesson for us! When we let go of the white-knuckle grip on our lives and hand the reins over to God, the result is a life of purpose, passion, and fulfilled potential; something God has wanted for us since "before the creation of the world." As you go through your day, make it a point to hand control over to God. Praise God for being God. Exalt Him above yourself. As Nebuchadnezzar did, "glorify the King of heaven," and discover just how much freedom God has for you!

Act

Find something nearby that you can hold. For one solid minute, grip it as hard as you can. Then, slowly release your grip. Do you notice how much of a relief it is to finally let go? Let this exercise be a reminder of how great it feels to let go of the reins of your life and let God take over!

Pray

Dear heavenly Father, I admit that You are God and I am not. I praise You for who You are and for what You have done. Thank You for the continued patience and grace that You have extended to me. Help me to continue to put You first in everything I do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.