Babylon . . . rising?

Yes, I did read the "Left Behind" series, but that is not the subject of this post. It's just a phrase that came to mind this week as I began a study on the book of Daniel (if you are interested, I highly recommend the studies on this book written by Beth Moore and/or Kay Arthur).

Yes, I had read of Babylon before, of the Chaldeans (another term for Babylon), even that the plain of Shinar is where the tower of Babel was built, and Ur of the Chaldees (i.e. Chaldeans) was where Abraham was called out of by God, to begin the Israelite identity.

But this week's study has gotten me thinking . . .where do I see Babylon in my world? Should I care? Why does God have me studying this particular book at this particular time?

A most striking insight on Babylon is found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 47, where God is speaking to Babylon ". . .you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, 'I am, and there is no one besides me'. . . you felt secure in your wickedness, you said, 'No one sees me;' your wisdom and knowledge led you astray. . . "

Where do I see Babylon? Where do I NOT see Babylon?? Does anyone else have the struggle that I do to fight against indulging in whatever I WANT just because I can? Without giving a thought to whether or not it's what God wants for me?
How secure do we feel, day by day, in our car alarms, our deadbolts, our guard dogs, our preparedness, rather than give credit to God, who is my true refuge and safety?
Does anyone else battle the "what about me? when is it my turn?"
How often do I remember that the "no one really sees; I'm not really hurting anyone" is a lie straight from the pit of hell, and that hypocrisy really doesn't fool anyone?
Do I trust more in my wisdom and knowledge of this world, this culture, than I trust the God who created this world and even this culture that I live in, to teach me His Ways and how He wants to reach this world?

Just one chapter over (Isaiah 46) God speaks to His people. . .
"Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors,
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,'. . .I have spoken and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
Listen to Me, you stubborn of heart [I so don't want to be that person, but so often am] you who are far from righteousness: I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off, and My salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel, My glory."

I read that passage, and the whole "Babylon mentality" fades dramatically. I'm certain the young Daniel and his friends remembered this about God while they were being transported from their comfortable homes and families (remember, they were not peasants and beggars, but royalty and nobility of Judah) to a place and people completely unknown to them. Only this confidence and confirmed knowledge of God could give Daniel the resolve to live righteously and disciplined in an extremely unrighteous and undisciplined culture.
Oh, great and mighty God! teach me Your ways, guide me in Your truth, and teach me. Give me the strength and the resolve to not be absorbed by my Babylon.