Proverbs 16:33 concludes: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

This Proverb isn’t just about “dice”.  It is really about two very different, very competing world views: do things in our world happen by chance, or at the direction of a Sovereign Creator and Lord?  This Proverb encourages us to adopt a theo-centric worldview – in other words, to see everything as orchestrated by God, not just “luck” or “happenstance”. 

There are SO many applications for this perspective:

— Stop complaining about your “bad luck”, and instead see everything that happens in your life as directed by God’s hand.

— Don’t dwell on your “bad breaks”, but look for what purposes God might have for what is happening to you.  

— Don’t worry about how events will unfold – either for you personally, or in the world.   If the decision of a little “lot” is in God’s control, how much more the whole course of the world!  “He’s got the whole world in His hand”! 

I know that this scripture applies to me personally too.  I don’t need to bemoan the illness I am currently battling (dysautonomia/POTS).  This did not happen by accident; God has a purpose in it.  It is not that some “heavenly dice” were cast, and I rolled “snake eyes” and got dysautonomia!  God has allowed it, and He has a specific plan and purpose for it.  The responsibility of the person of faith is to believe this; to have the theocentric view of their circumstances that this verse encourages. 

It’s nice to know I didn’t roll “snake eyes”, but that my God is in control!