A Lesson in Living Coram Deo

Below is an insightful and thought provoking meditation on the story of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel chapter 4, written by Carol Short, missionary in Mexico and an old friend of mine. She writes at The Upside Down Life. Here's SOMEONE'S WATCHING. Enjoy!

There was a king in Babylon named Nebuchadnezzar. The book of Daniel says that he had dreams; his spirit was troubled and sleep left him. He sent for wise men to chase his fear away, to tell him the meaning of his dreams. Daniel, a Hebrew who had been captured and brought to Babylon for the King’s use, came to the king with a message from God. Nebuchadnezzar had an encounter that day with God. Mighty God told him of his life and God’s plans for his kingdom. God whispered His plan for humanity, and of God’s eternal Kingdom.

Eventually in that king’s life, God had to take away everything to get his full attention, and teach him the final lesson. He lost his home, his family, his physical and mental health before he finally grasped the truth. He learned that his life was but a vapor, a fog that melts away with the rising of the sun. He finally saw that there was nothing he could craft with his hands that would compare to the Kingdom that God has formed for all creation.

It's time to look inside yourself. We all have influence in the lives of others. Who's watching you? Is it family, coworkers, friends? How are you sleeping? Has God put His finger in your ear? What will you do?

 BTW, Coram Deo is Latin for "before the presence of God."