19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.
What does Daniel do once he receives the dream and the meaning of the dream?
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The very first exaltation of God’s power to the Hebrew captives was in showing the defective wisdom of the great ones of the earth. The wisdom of men is foolishness with God. The ‘wise men’ revealed their ignorance not only to Nebuchadnezzar, but their thickness of mind lay naked before the Lord. The Lord of all creation revealed His wisdom as supreme.
Immediately, Daniel praises God. He voices his ‘awe and adoration’ of God’s wisdom and power. Daniel gives ‘thanks’ to God for the answered prayer. Daniel is understanding that God has control of the situation. Because of his relationship with God, he knew the vision was from Him and he knew the voice of God. This experience had to exponentially increase Daniel’s faith and trust in God. He is building a relationship with his LORD. He is being an ‘image bearer’ of God, giving his allegiance and obedience to Him. What a witness this will be to those that he comes into contact with. This is the ‘light’ that the Israelites were called to be, but failed miserably. This is the same light we are called to be.
Praise and Thanksgiving
The Lord desires us to make mention of His goodness and tell of His power. He is honored by the expression of praise and thanksgiving, He says, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.” The people of Israel, as they journeyed through the wilderness, praised God in sacred song. The commandments and promises of the Lord were set to music, and all along the journey these were sung by the pilgrim travelers. And in Canaan, as they met at their sacred feasts. God’s wonderful works were to be recounted and grateful thanksgiving offered to His name. God desired that the whole life of His people should be a life of praise. Christ Object Lessons, 298, 299
To praise God in fulness and sincerity of heart is as much a duty as is prayer. We are to show to the world and to all the heavenly intelligences that we appreciate the wonderful love of God for fallen humanity, and that we are expecting larger and yet larger blessings for His infinite fulness… After a special outpouring of the Holy spirit, our joy in the Lord and our efficiency in His service would be greatly increased by recounting His goodness and His wonderful works in behalf of His children These exercises drive back the power of Satan. They expel the spirit of murmuring and complaint, and the tempter loses ground. They cultivate those attributes of character which will fit the dwellers on earth of the heavenly mansions. Such a testimony will have an influence upon others. No more effective means can be employed for winning souls to Christ. Christ Object Lessons, 299, 300. ChS 213.2
Praise is indeed a potent and restorative tool. It changes us for the better by refocusing our affections, realigning our priorities, and restoring our peace. Our attitude becomes more pliable, open, and receptive to receiving the Holy Spirit. Our countenance shines forth because of God’s glory, and others will see a difference in us because of Him.