June 23: INSANITY
And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses. Daniel 4:32
In modern studies of mental health, there is a rare but documented form of delusional misidentification called lycanthropy. This term is borrowed from mythology which taught of “special powers” for a person to transform himself into an animal. However mythical the idea may sound, it is possible for a person who consistently resists the Lord’s divine invitation for salvation, to be overtaken by demons who are under Satan’s bidding to wreak havoc. In fact, the only thing between sanity and insanity is the divine protection of our God.
Nebuchadnezzar forfeited the year-long opportunity to profit from the warning that he had been graciously given in vision by God and confirmed by Daniel’s plain interpretation. He also passively pushed aside Daniel’s excellent counsel, defaulting into nurturing the pride within his selfish heart until it reached a fever pitch, beyond which God could not allow it to continue. The record shows that King Nebuchadnezzar lost control of his own mind for a period of seven years. And they shall drive you from men… Who are they? Most likely, the minions who work for the Chief Enemy of souls. They took control of the king’s mind. In lifting the finger of divine protection, God allowed the king to be rendered incapable of admiring and enjoying that over which he was so swollen with pride: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Compare to Isaiah 14:13-14)
They are still very active today. More than ever before, our world is filled with strange maladies, syndromes, depression and an endless variety of mental illnesses including insanity. The patients are getting younger and younger. There is so little that is wholesome in their lives, that they have no concept of what wholesome even means. Elementary-age children who have been exposed to internet games suffer from lethargy, mental dullness, disinterest in others, sleep disorders, stunted personality development, disinterest in learning, and even severe depression. The devil and his minions are having a field day in wrecking the minds of those who look to the world for their spiritual needs.
When the blow finally fell, the king made his way into the field, believing that he was an animal. Daniel stepped in quietly to keep vital aspects of the empire running smoothly on behalf of the king. Not only did he understand exactly what was happening to the king and how long it would last, but he also had a well-developed working knowledge of top-level empirical decision-making. Officially, the king’s son, Evil-Merodach, held a temporary title of regent. Daniel’s interpretation of the dream was understood throughout the palace. The king’s return was anticipated with great interest. Surely the king was watched over and cared for, without him knowing. Healthy food was likely placed for him to find. This care was a fulfillment of verse 15: Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, Bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth.