All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. – Daniel 4:35
Humans may sometimes forget how awesome God is. He created the universe. He’s eternal. All-powerful. All-knowing. Everywhere at once. Comparatively, adding up all humans who live, ever have lived and the ones who will live in the future, they add up to nothing as today’s verse says. However, God loved the world so much that He gave His son. Because God made and values people, each individual has value.
What God says goes. Happy humans are ones who yield themselves to Him. In the sermon on the mount, some translations such as Young’s Literal Translation renders “blessed” as “happy.” Who are the happy ones who Jesus talks about in Matthew 5? The humble who rely on God’s strength. Those who receive God’s comfort when they suffer loss. Those who are content with what God gives them. Those who find fulfillment in doing God’s will. Those who are kind to others and receive God’s kindness. Those who have a godly heart and mind and who can recognize God’s intervention in their lives. Those who remember they are part of God’s family and treat others that way. Those who stand up for God despite opposition.
Though God is higher, greater, and more wonderful than anyone can imagine, you do matter to God. He hears and answers your prayers. Take your goals and plans, cares, and concerns and those of the nation to Him in all confidence. Do you want to be happy in this new year? Meditate on Matthew 5, considering how to put these truths into practice. Think about God’s goodness and avoid ruminating on worries and hardships.
Today’s Verse: Daniel 4:35
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 5:1-12
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
