Roll of Dice
Tuesday, January 12
Roll of Dice
We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. Proverbs 16:33
Dice are one of the oldest gaming implements known to man. Historians have documented dice have been used in games throughout the history of civilization, from ancient Egypt and Sumeria to Dungeons & Dragons. It should then come as no surprise it’s mentioned in the book of Proverbs (version, New Living Translation). If you have never read through the book of Proverbs, it is a list of wise sayings. There are so many great instructions in that book that it can become overwhelming as you read, because it seems like there is so much to learn. As I have been reading through the book I have noticed several wonderful wise proverbs, gems, to hold onto. But the point is not for us to be overwhelmed, but rather for us all to learn that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
Let’s consider today’s verse “We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.”
Consider sitting at a crap’s table in Las Vegas deciding whether or not to keep rolling the dice. Suddenly you go with the gut instinct and begin blowing on the dice. As they roll out of your hand, you begin hoping for a lucky number seven to come up.
It is really a powerful image as you visualize rolling a dice.
When you think about it, that is often a picture of the way we live our lives. We make decisions based on what we think or hope will happen, then we roll the dice, hoping that everything will come out the way we want. But if we really understand this proverb, then we know God is the one in control. Regardless of what number the dice lands on, God is still calling the shots!
This is a gentle reminder that our life lies in the hand of God. That is such a profound thought. So often we tend to think that we are in control of most everything in our lives, and that whatever we are not in control of is left up to chance. But this proverb reminds us that ultimately it is God, not us, and not even chance, who is really in control.
Prayer for today: Dear Lord, in spite of how I feel today I quiet my mind and rest on Your promises because I know them to be true. Help me to not lean into luck but I want trust in Your divine order. Teach me to trust in Your ways, and learn that everything that happens today has a reason. Today, I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I trust that Your will be done. Amen.
—