Daniel’s praise, offered to God, in Daniel 2:20-23,
highlights for us the direction from which blessing comes. It comes
from above. What we do not have is given to us by God - “He gives” (Daniel 2:21), “You have given me” (Daniel 2:23). Daniel’s praise is echoed in Peter’s praise: “To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:11).
Again, in Psalm 134, the connection between praise and blessing is
underlined: “Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord ... May the
Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth bless you from Zion” (Psalm 134:3).
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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