May 18, 2025

Minding Your Thoughts

A Biblical Overview of Obtaining and Maintaining a Biblical Thought Life

Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Cause and effect! The story of Daniel being put into a position of power, influence, and honor is a story of cause and effect. Daniel’s …excellent spirit… caused the King to take notice of him. This affected the King’s thoughts about whom he should promote to be the second in command over his entire realm.

What cause are you giving the authorities in your life to promote you? What is there in your work ethic, personality, or overall demeanor that would affect others in such a way that they would desire to give you more responsibility (and money). When considering this, add another dimension into the mix.  Psalm 75:6 -7 states: For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. 

In the story of Daniel’s promotion there are three players: the King, Daniel, and God. This is true in every relationship in life. It was God that blessed Daniel’s efforts, that gave him the insight to the secret dreams, and that gave him the great ability of administration. It was Daniel that kept an excellent spirit through all of his difficult circumstances, and it was the King that took notice of Daniel and was willing to promote him over many contemporaries.

The King’s thoughts were affected by what he saw. So are ours. It’s called cause and effect. 

May the Lord bless and be pleased with your thought life today.

Dr. William T. Howe