Lifted Eyes, Restored Heart
When pride lifts like fog, the King’s goodness comes into view.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace, Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Nebuchadnezzar’s story is a mercy drenched warning and invitation. Pride narrowed his world to the mirror, then grace widened his gaze to heaven. The king who said, this is my Babylon and my majesty, was brought low until he lifted his eyes to the Most High. When he looked up, clarity returned. Worship followed. And restoration came with it.
Today’s reading traces that simple and seismic movement. Down, then up. Self, then God. Vacant reason, then a mind renewed. The living God does according to His will in heaven and on earth, and His will is not to crush the contrite, but to restore the humble. That is not a threat to frighten us. It is a doorway for weary hearts who are tired of carrying themselves.
Bob Hoekstra points us to a king who stopped congratulating himself and started honoring the King of heaven. The shift is not cosmetic. It is the difference between a life propped up by ego and a life upheld by grace. The Lord resisted Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. The Lord gave grace when that proud heart bowed.
You and I know this terrain. Whenever we make our little kingdoms about our name, we begin to live like exiles even if we sit on a throne. But when we lift our eyes to the Lord, understanding returns. Praise becomes natural. Sanity and song come back together. That is what Jesus delights to do in us, not by inflating our self effort, but by being our life within.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am with you, and I dwell in you. When your eyes drop to your own accomplishments, your mind narrows and your peace thins. Lift your gaze to Me. I give understanding that comes from above. I oppose the pride that would rob you of joy, and I gladly pour grace upon the humble. I formed you for fellowship, not self promotion.
You have died with Jesus, and you live to God. Your old way of establishing yourself has no claim over you. You are crucified with Jesus, and He lives in you. The life you live in your body you live by trusting the Son of God who gave Himself for you. Remain in Me, and I in you, for apart from Me you can do nothing. With Me, fruit appears that you could never engineer.
When you are restored in your thinking, you will bless the Most High. I steady your heart to praise the One who lives forever. I teach you to see that authority, influence, and daily bread are gifts, not trophies. I work in you both to will and to work for My good pleasure. Yield to Me in the quiet places, and I will lead you in the public ones.
I am the Spirit of Jesus within you. I do not condemn you. I renew your mind, anchor your identity, and direct your steps. When pride whispers that you must secure your own crown, answer with worship. When anxiety pushes you to grasp, open your hands. I exalt the lowly. I crown the contrite with gladness. Lift your eyes, and you will find Me already lifting your heart.
Real-Life Analogy
Picture a fogged bathroom mirror after a hot shower. You can see shapes, but not your face. Instead of scrubbing with a towel and smearing the fog around, you crack the door and let fresh air enter. In a minute the mirror clears, and you see truly. Pride is the smear of self effort that keeps the view distorted. The presence of Jesus within is the fresh air that clears the glass. You do not make the fog vanish. You yield the space so it can lift.
Today, when you catch yourself narrating your wins, or bracing to defend your worth in a meeting, pause the inner speech and turn your attention to the Lord within. Try words like, Lord, I yield this moment to You. Live Your wisdom and gentleness through me right now. Then answer that email with honesty and a quiet tone. Speak the truth without the edge. Let Jesus supply the posture, and watch how clarity returns.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that in Jesus my life is not propped up by pride. Thank You for giving me a new heart that delights to look up, not in. Thank You that You work in me to will and to do what pleases You. I agree with You that grace belongs to the humble, and I thank You that humility is my birthright in Christ. Today I bless the Most High. I honor the King of heaven. I rest in Your rule over heaven and earth, and I rejoice that You restore minds, reorder loves, and renew songs. All glory to You.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Daniel 4:34-37; Daniel 4:30-33; 1 Peter 5:5-6; James 4:6-10; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:1-14; John 15:1-8; Colossians 1:27; Philippians 2:12-13; Psalm 115:1; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 14:11; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 3:1-4.